LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 16: Enrique Hernandez #14 of the Los Angeles Dodgers runs off the field after making a catch in the fourth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium on May 16, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images) LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 15: Zack Greinke #21 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts on the mound while taking on the New York Mets in game five of the National League Division Series at Dodger Stadium on October 15, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Free agent Zack Greinke is an integral component of the Los Angeles Dodgers' rotation next season, a sentiment felt not just among the front office but in the clubhouse as well.
Greinke, who has pitched fantastically for the Dodgers over the past three seasons, recently opted out of his contract, presumably to garner a heftier contract after a Cy Young-caliber season.
The Dodgers extended Greinke a qualifying offer for one year, $15.8 million, but he declined as expected.
Shortly following Greinke's decision to decline the qualifying offer, Dodgers utility man Kiké Hernandez made his plea to the right-hander to return to Los Angeles in 2016.
In three seasons with the Dodgers, Greinke has held a 51-15 record with a 2.30 ERA and 555 strikeouts in 602 2/3 innings.
The past season was a career best for the 31-year-old righty, as he notched a 19-3 record while holding a 1.66 ERA and striking out 200 batters in 222 2/3 innings.
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