Greinke deserts Dodgers for D-backs

The Arizona Diamondbacks unveiled their snazzy new uniforms one day, then landed a new ace to wear them the next.

The D-backs beat out the division rival Dodgers and Giants to unexpectedly win the Zack Greinke sweepstakes Friday night, acquiring the free-agent ace they hope will get the franchise contending again — and fast. He reached an agreement on a $206.5-million, six-year contract, sources told The Associated Press.

The major-league ERA leader and runner-up for the NL Cy Young Award helped lead the Dodgers to their third straight NL West Division title this season. Then, the 32-yearold righty opted out of his contract, leaving $71.5 million on the table and wound up with the richest deal by yearly average in baseball history.

The sources spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because there hadn’t been an official announcement. Fox Sports first reported an agreement.

Greinke’s new deal contains deferred money. The $34.4-million average will be the sport’s highest, topping David Price’s new $31-million average deal per year with the Boston Red Sox.

Earlier this off-season, pitcher Johnny Cueto turned down a $120-million offer from the Diamondbacks after he helped Kansas City win the World Series and became a free agent.

Instead, the Diamondbacks reeled in an even bigger prize. They had money to spend — last February, they signed a TV deal with Fox Sports Arizona for more than $1.5 billion over 20 years.

Greinke’s contract gave him the flexibility to find a new home. He was in prime position, too, after setting a career high for wins by going 19-3 and posting a 1.66 ERA that was the best in the majors in 20 years.

In December 2012, Greinke signed a $147-million, six-year deal with the Dodgers that included an opt-out clause. He exercised it and walked away from a whopping amount over the next three years.

Out of the playoffs since 2011, the Diamondbacks finished 79-83 last season, 13 games behind the Dodgers and also trailing the Giants, who have won three of the last six World Series.

Arizona scored the second-most runs in the NL last season, but was thin in the pitching department.