Mariners Free Agency: Options for a one-year Starting Pitcher

Mariners Target #3: Zack Greinke

Time to be open with everyone here. It’s fun seeing blazing fastballs, power curves and big ol’ benders, a sharp slider, and a nasty change. Outfielders throwing people out, a shortstop with a sick glove, or moon shots from a batter.

An eephus pitch though. That’s the way to my heart. I’m an odd dude who likes odd things. Funky deliveries, odd routines, superstitions, and rare pitches. Like… how can you not like this?

2021 was only the second time since 2006 that Greinke has had a FIP above 3.89. He was still a 4.16 ERA in 2021, giving the Astros 29 starts (30 games) and 171 innings. We just would have to decide on whether or not we think this is the beginning of the end with Greinke, or if he has a whole other run left in his pocket, and he can put his old-man guile to use for a strong finish to his career.

He could stay in the AL West, moving over to the Mariners to be the strong veteran presence in the rotation, helping all the other pitchers (shoot, the entire team) into his mind to help them out. He’s a low-key guy who likes to avoid the spotlight, and we all know how the national media treats Seattle. It’s like they aren’t even there sometimes, so it could be a nice fit for both sides.

I’ll also always think of this shirt whenever I think about Zach Greinke, which is one of the greatest I’ve ever seen. You’ll need to scroll down to number one to see it, but I promise you… it will definitely be worth it.