Former Cy Young winner Zack Greinke signed a six-year, $147 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers that ranks as the biggest annual salary ever given to a Major League Baseball pitcher.
“I am happy to announce we have signed P Zack Greinke, the best pitcher on the Free Agent Market!” Dodgers part-owner Magic Johnson wrote on his Twitter web site.
Greinke, 29, captured the American League’s Cy Young Award three years ago as a member of the Kansas City Royals. The right-hander compiled a 16-8 record and a league best 2.16 earned run average, along with 205 strikeouts for the Royals.
Last year, Greinke had a 15-5 mark with a 3.48 ERA in 34 starts between Milwaukee and the Los Angeles Angels. In 2011, he compiled a 16-6 record with a 3.83 ERA and had 201 strikeouts in 28 games with the Brewers.
Since 2008, he has had a 70-43 record with a 3.39 ERA.
Greinke’s signing comes one day after the addition of South Korean left-handed pitcher Ryu Hyun-Jin, who the team inked to a $36 million, six-year contract.
The Dodgers introduced Ryu at a news conference.
“He’s built similar to David Wells,” said vice president of international scouting Bob Engle.
“He definitely could come in and be a contributor to a Major League club immediately. He can reach back for just a little bit extra. He has real good mound presence.
“He has command of his pitches and of himself. He’s an accomplished, polished pitcher.”
Johnson said the Dodgers had used funds “in a disciplined way” to improve the team.
“We’re not just spending crazy just to do it,” he added. “We do it to help the team. We feel really good about every guy we’ve brought in. We’re doing just what we said we were going to do.”
Cy Young winner Greinke joins Dodgers
