Dodgers RHP Zack Greinke opts out of contract to become free agent

Despite the opportunity to earn $71 million with three years of job security, Greinke will seek an even bigger contract after completing the best season of his career.

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Zack Greinke has opted out of his contract to become a free agent, reports Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times.

Greinke signed a six-year, $147 million contract with the Dodgers in 2013, but despite the opportunity to earn $71 million with three years of job security, he will seek an even bigger contract after completing the best season of his career.

In 2015, Greinke led the league in ERA (1.66), winning percentage (.864), WHIP (0.844) and ERA+ (225). He averaged eight strikeouts per nine innings over the 222.2 innings he pitched.

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Greinke, 32, earned his third All-Star selection this season, and is on the short list to win the 2015 Cy Young award, which he also won in 2009 with the Kansas City Royals. He has pitched in the majors for 12 years for a career ERA of 3.34 with nearly 2,000 career strikeouts.

The San Francisco Giants and the New York Yankees have been rumored to be interested in signing the veteran, whose decision to enter free agency was widely expected.

The Dodgers fell to the Mets in five games in the National League Divisional Series. 

- Erin Flynn