Report: Dodgers were interested in reacquiring Zack Greinke from D-backs

The Los Angeles Dodgers had inquired about reacquiring Zack Greinke from the Arizona Diamondbacks before the August postseason-eligible trade deadline passed, but talks never advanced, according to sources of FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal.

Of course, the D-backs would likely seek a very large return for their ace that they acquired last summer by outbidding the Dodgers. Arizona signed Greinke to a six-year, $206 million contract before the 2016 season.

Greinke has a 4.17 ERA this season and spent more than a month on the disabled list with a tweaked oblique muscle.

Nonetheless, he has been Arizona’s only steady pitcher with a 12-4 record and 1.24 WHIP.

The problem in completing any Greinke trade is that the D’backs would need to agree with their trading partner on his appropriate financial value. Greinke’s $34.4 million average annual salary is the highest in major-league history. He would not be valued as highly if he hit the open market today.

Rosenthal reports that Greinke’s contract includes a 15-team no-trade list, which could also hamper any deal, though it is not known whether the Dodgers are included on it.

The Diamondbacks, as much as they may covet Greinke’s services, may also deem their pitcher a trade candidate because of his contract weighing down their financial flexibility. Rosenthal cites the team’s hope to pay star slugger Paul Goldschmidt a larger salary as the main reason that shedding Greinke’s salary could be desired.

After 2016, Greinke’s contract has $172.5 million remaining over five seasons.

All of this is to say the D-backs didn’t listen long to the Dodgers’ pitch. That doesn’t mean they may not in the future.

However, no major personnel matters are likely clear-cut until the team decides upon the futures of chief baseball officer Tony La Russa and general manager Dave Stewart, whose contracts are up this year.

Stewart’s contract extension was reportedly to be decided upon by Wednesday.

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