Jul 3, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Zack Greinke (21) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports Chris Humphreys USA TODAY Sports
If you can't beat him, join him.
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher, and 2015 NL Cy Young Award winner, Jake Arrieta hopes Zack Greinke has that mindset as he hopes to recruit the free agent to the Windy City.
Greinke, who finished second in the Cy Young Award voting with 10 first-place votes, opted out of his deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers after the team's postseason run. The Cubs are in the market, hoping to pick up another starting pitching force and Greinke's name is certainly on the table.
With the team exploring all options available to them this offseason, Arrieta will, at least somewhat, step into the role of recruiter for the Cubs when it comes to Greinke.
"I would assume a phone call might be made, at least," Arrieta told the LA Times. "We'd love to have him."
Greinke had a spectacular 2015 season pitching 222.2 innings with a 1.66 ERA. His 0.84 WHIP led the MLB and his ERA was the lowest since Greg Maddux in 1995. While the lofty numbers will certainly command a huge contract for 2016, hence why the pitcher opted out of his Dodgers' contract, the Cubs could be on Greinke's short list of destinations.
"I think any team that doesn't at least make a phone call would be foolish," Arrieta said.
As displayed in the NLCS against the Mets, the Cubs could use another starter in the rotation. Along with Greinke; David Price, Johnny Cueto, and Jordan Zimmermann have also been linked in the early 'Hot Stove' rumors.
"We're going shopping at Pitchers R Us," Maddon said during an interview on a Chicago radio show.
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