Entering the offseason Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, general manager Farhan Zaidi understood the task that was ahead of them. With key players reaching free agency and a desire to lower payroll, the Dodgers face difficult decisions.
Rich Hill was re-signed Monday to a three-year contract, leaving Kenley Jansen and Justin Turner as notable free agents. The Miami Marlins reportedly have high interest in Jansen and are contemplating submitting a five-year offer.
While the Dodgers have identified Jansen as one of their priorities, there are options in the event he’s lost to free agency.
According to Jon Morosi Jon Morosi of MLB.com, Los Angeles has interest in former Kansas City Royals closer Greg Holland:
#Dodgers showing interest in free-agent reliever Greg Holland, source says. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 5, 2016
Holland was a fixture in the Royals bullpen from 2011-15, and developed into a full-fledge closer by 2013. He was an American League All-Star in ’13 and ’14, converting 93 saves with a 1.33 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and averaging 13.4 strikeouts per nine innings during that span.
The right-hander pitched through elbow discomfort for over a year, and missed all of this season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in October 2015. The procedure came after he went 3-2 with 32 saves, a 3.83 ERA, 3.27 FIP and 1.46 WHIP in 48 games.
Holland held a private showcase in early November, which was his first public throwing session since undergoing surgery. The Dodgers were among the teams to attend.
Aware of the question marks that surround his return, Holland is seeking a multiyear contract that includes incentives. What’s more, the 31-year-old is willing to fill a role other than closer.
The Dodgers’ reported interest may very well be under the notion to pair Holland with Chapman or Jansen, or perhaps to serve as the closer if they’re unable to sign one of the big two. In other news involving Los Angeles and Kansas City, the Dodgers reportedly have interest in center fielder Lorenzo Cain and closer Wade Davis.
