Kansas City Royals strengthen their starting rotation by re-signing Zack Greinke for 2023 season

After a relatively quiet offseason, the Kansas City Royals have closed a deal for Zack Greinke. Both parties agreed to a one-year, $8.5 million contract for 2023. The 39-year-old right-hander is regarded as one of MLB's elite pitchers. Greinke will add experience and much-needed depth to the young pitching staff.

Greinke is currently in his second stint with the Royals. Since being drafted by the organization as the sixth overall pick in the 2002 MLB draft, he has played in 236 games for the club. After working his way up through the minors, he was given a chance in the big leagues in 2004.

"We have signed RHP Zack Greinke to a one-year deal. Welcome back, Zack!" - Kansas City Royals

Since his MLB debut, Greinke has established himself as one of the most efficient, reliable and dangerous pitchers. He has been selected for the All-Star Game on six different occasions. Greinke also has six Gold Glove Awards and has twice led the MLB in ERA (2009, 2015). Add to that the Cy Young Award he won in 2009.

The Kansas City Royals will rely on Zack Greinke's experience to lead a young pitching rotation

Zack Greinke of the Kansas City Royals reacts from the dugout against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park

Greinke is about to enter his 20th season in the majors. During that stretch, he has played on six different MLB teams.

His experience will be vital to the organization. He pitched in the World Series with the Houston Astros and the National League Championship Series with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Royals ranked 27th in ERA last year. They had the second-most hits in the majors (1493), just behind the Colorado Rockies.

"Zack Greinke's career Fastest Strike (100.4mph) vs Slowest Strike (51.5mph)" Rob Friedman

Experienced starters Jordan Lyles and Ryan Yarbrough have been brought in to shore up the defense. Former New York Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman was also signed to a one-year, $3.75 million deal.

The Kansas City Royals finished last in the AL East last season, largely due to poor pitching. Overall, the pitching staff is young and inexperienced. The organization will hope the return of Greinke, along with some additional new faces, can help the team rebound in 2023.