When Zack Greinke envisioned a future of flexibility and freedom as a Lawn care entrepreneur

Kansas City Royals pitcher Zack Greinke, a star MLB player on the field, once disclosed his immense love and passion for gardening.

Greinke revealed his affection for starting a lawn business as it'd allow him to make his own hours and take off as he pleased.

NBC Sports quoted Greinke in 2015 as saying:

“I could be in the lawn business, mowing grass."

Greinke was once prepared to retire. He was a 22-year-old phenomenon who detested the attention that came with having to do well in the face of enormous expectations.

The Kansas City Royals selected the lanky right-hander in the 2002 amateur draft.

Royals re-sign Zack Greinke

Greinke's new contract was formally disclosed by the Royals. As reported by New York Post's Jon Heyman, Greinke will receive a guaranteed $8.5 million, with an additional $7.5 million in bonuses and incentives.

"Zack Greinke and Royals agreed at $8.5M, plus $7.5M incentives" - Jon Heyman

The contract will reportedly include performance-based bonuses in addition to a base salary of $8 to $10 million. Excel Sports Management represents Greinke as a client.

Greinke signed with the Royals in 2002 after being selected with the sixth overall pick. He spent his first seven seasons in the major leagues with Kansas City, including his 2004 debut and when he won the 2009 AL Cy Young Award.

Kansas City Royals v Cleveland Guardians

The quirky right-hander, who had successful runs with the Brewers, Angels, Dodgers, Diamondbacks, and Astros between 2011 and 2021, returned to his former team in 2022 and pitched a 3.68 ERA in 26 starts over 137 innings.

Greinke's struggles with depression and anxiety in 2005 and 2006 almost cost him his career, and he missed the majority of the 2006 campaign. After making a comeback in 2007 as a reliever, he joined the starting rotation in 2008 and went on to become one of the best pitchers in the league.

"Lay off Zack Greinke. He’s dealt with depression and social anxiety. Yesterday was #WorldMentalHealthDay2019 - so probably not the best time to hammer him for speaking uncomfortably. Or, ever." - Chris Carlin

In addition to playing in the MLB All-Star Game that year, he also won the American League Cy Young Award and had the highest earned run average in the major leagues.