Reaching the majors is a blessing for every baseball player in the world.
Reaching free agency, securing the 10-year threshold to get the pension, and earn on-field accomplishments such as World Series rings, All-Star nods, and individual awards are honors reserved for just a handful of players.
How about staying in MLB for a full 20 years?
Zack Greinke returning to the Royals for his 20th MLB season! https://t.co/BJWDlREqZd
— James Smyth (@JamesSmyth621) January 30, 2023
Pitcher Zack Greinke agreed to terms with the Kansas City Royals to return for his 20th MLB season, per several reports.
Source confirms: Free-agent right-handed Zack Greinke in agreement with Royals on one-year contract, pending physical. First: @bobfescoe.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 30, 2023
He made his MLB debut with the Royals in 2004, and here he is, getting ready to put his pinpoint command on display for one more season.
Shockingly, he has remained effective despite a plummeting strikeout rate and a diminishing fastball.
Last year, he had a 3.68 ERA in 137 frames with the Royals.
The league is full of throwers with spotty control and command.
Greinke is the complete opposite: his fastball barely reaches 90 mph at this point, but his flawless command allows him to hit his spots and force hitters into bad contact and easy outs despite a mediocre 73 strikeouts in those 137 innings.
Some fans have expressed concern about the move because of the possibility of Greinke taking one rotation spot from a promising arm.
Zack Greinke is back for another season with the #Royals after agreeing to a 1-year deal today.
I could never be upset with it. Zack is one of my all-time favorites. I just hope it doesn’t prevent a younger arm from taking a step forward.
— Preston Farr (@preston_b_farr) January 30, 2023
After all, the Royals have Jackson Kowar, Daniel Lynch, Brady Singer, Kris Bubic and Carlos Hernandez ready to be tested in the majors.
All of them have been tested, but only Singer has passed that test.
If anything, Greinke could guide them to what it takes to consistently get outs in the majors.
In a 2022 interview, the pitcher sounds like he loves the city.
Future #Royals hall of famer Zack Greinke is coming back to KC. He's set to enter his 20th season in the major leagues. From '22: "Enjoyed the season a lot. Love the guys here. Great with my kids. Treat the family good. We like the city. Lot of good things in Kansas City." @KCTV5 pic.twitter.com/h61dM7zrMt
— Jared Koller (@JaredKCTV5) January 30, 2023
He will get to stay for one more year, at least.
NEXT: Zack Greinke Heads Back To A Familiar Spot
