Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke has accomplished nearly everything there is to do throughout his 20-year career in the MLB. At 40 years of age, some surely expected him to call it a career after the 2023 season. But it does not seem like that will be the case.
Greinke’s 2023 season didn’t go as he likely would have hoped. He finished the year with a 5.06 ERA in 142.1 innings to go along with a 2-15 record.
Despite this, Greinke reportedly doesn’t plan on calling it quits just yet. According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, Greinke’s representatives have told MLB teams that he is preparing to pitch in 2024 and is open to contract talks for what will be his 21st season in the big leagues.
Zack Greinke's representatives have communicated to @MLB teams that he's preparing to pitch in 2024 and is open to contract talks.
Greinke, 40, went 2-15 with a 5.06 ERA this year over 142 1/3 innings. @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 12, 2023
If there is interest around the MLB for Greinke to pitch for the 2024 season, it would truly be a testiment to his longevity over the course of his excellent career.
Let’s put how absurd 21 seasons in the MLB would potentially. Milwaukee Brewers top prospect Jackson Chourio is expected by most to be vying for a major league roster spot next season at just 19 years of age. Greinke has pitched in the MLB for longer than Chourio has even been alive.
Only time will tell whether Greinke gets his wish and ends up on an MLB roster come next spring. But it would certainly be an unbelievable story if he does indeed pitch next year.
