Greinke Opts Out Of Dodgers Contract, Will Test Free Agency

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Dodgers pitcher Zack Greinke has opted out of his contract and will become a free agent, according to reports Wednesday.

Greinke, a candidate for the National League Cy Young Award, made the decision to leave his contract with about three years and $71 million remaining, Major League Baseball's official website reported.

The 32-year-old ace signed a six-year, $147 million contract with the Dodgers before the 2013 season, but that was before Greinke posted an MLB-low ERA of 1.66, topped the Majors with a .864 winning percentage and earning his fifth All-Star selection.

In addition to becoming the first Dodgers pitcher to start an All-Star Game since Brad Penny in 2006, Greinke also tied an MLB record with six consecutive scoreless starts between June 18-July 19 - a record also held by Dodgers legends Orel Hershiser and Don Drysdale.

There was no immediate comment from Dodger officials.

A number of baseball analysts believe the team will let Greinke walk despite an 2015 payroll of roughly $300 million.