Michael Wacha now stands alone as the only major free agent who has yet to sign with a team this offseason.
As spring training draws nearer, the Kansas City Royals have brought back a familiar face.
Veteran right-hander Zack Greinke, who spent the 2022 with the team, will be returning on a one-year deal.
The two sides have been negotiating all offseason long, but appear to have finally come to an agreement.
The financial terms of the deal have yet to be disclosed.
Royals insider Bob Fescoe was the first to report the news, also announcing that the deal will become official tomorrow afternoon.
Royals have reached a deal to bring Zack Greinke back for one more year, per source. Deal will be officially announced tomorrow afternoon. #royals
— Bob Fescoe (@bobfescoe) January 30, 2023
Greinke was selected by the Royals in the first round of the 2002 MLB Draft.
He made his debut for the team in 2004 and was there until they traded him away to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for Lorenzo Cain.
Greinke was part of the Brewers’ run to the NLCS in 2011, creating a strong one-two punch at the top of their rotation alongside Yovani Gallardo.
Milwaukee then traded him to the Los Angeles Angels in 2012 before he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers the following offseason.
The veteran right-hander also spent time with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Houston Astros before returning to Kansas City.
He went 4-9 in 26 starts with a 3.68 ERA in 2022.
At 39 years old, Greinke is towards the end of his career, but could be a key veteran piece in a young Royals rotation.
Kansas City had previously signed Ryan Yarbrough and Jordan Lyles this offseason to bolster their rotation.
NEXT: Royals GM Discusses Team's Offseason Moves
