Greinke Signs with the L.A. Dodgers

The L.A. Dodgers picked up Zack Greinke for the second-highest Major League contract. What does it mean for the Mariners? ©Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

9/30/2012

When a big-ticket deal happens in baseball, it can’t stay quiet for long. Pitcher Zack Greinke officially signed with the L.A. Dodgers, creating a ruckus. The Dodgers signed him for six years and 147 million dollars.

That’s right, $147 million.

What this means for the Mariners is that the Texas Rangers suddenly have a lot of bargaining power to snatch up Josh Hamilton for a larger contract. It also means that “King” Felix Hernandez may have his eye on a much higher price tag to renew his contract.

Greinke’s record-setting deal is the second largest only to Yankees pitcher, CC Sabathia at $161 million. Greinke had a stellar 2012 season, posting a 3.48 ERA in 212 1/3 innings for the Brewers and Dodgers. He won the AL Cy Young Award, an honor reserved for the two best pitchers (one AL one NL) in baseball, in 2009. He has a career ERA of 3.51, ninth of all active pitchers.

The Grienke deal is pending a physical. Should he pass and join the Dodgers, it will make the Dodgers 2013 payroll (already $210.68 million) the largest in Major League Baseball history.

What do you think the Grienke deal will mean for the Mariners, who are trying valiantly to scoop up key offensive players for their 2013 season? Will King Felix try to negotiate a larger deal?  Will they be able to compete for Josh Hamilton against the larger-budget Rangers? Post your thoughts in the comments section.