The offseason thus far has been a lucrative one for relief pitchers, in particular elite closers Aroldis Chapman, Kenley Jansen and Mark Melancon. While the trio headlined the group of available relievers, talented arms remain on the market.
Among them is former Kansas City Royals closer Greg Holland, who last pitched in 2015 before missing all of last season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Holland was recently said to be nearing a decision on what team to sign with.
However, the timeline has been adjusted by the tragic death of Holland’s former Royals teammate Yordano Ventura, as the closer is among a contingent traveling to the Dominican Republic for Ventura’s funeral.
As Holland’s decision hangs in the balance, the Colorado Rockies and Washington Nationals are believed to be among the finalists to sign the right-hander, according to Jon Heyman of Today’s Knuckleball:
things appear to be heating up for greg holland. final 3 teams may be: rockies, nats and a mystery team
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 24, 2017
After attending Holland’s throwing showcase last November, the Los Angeles Dodgers reportedly met with the closer during the Winter Meetings. They presumably could be the illustrious mystery team, though the Dodgers are said to desire signing relievers to one-year contracts.
The 31-year-old reportedly is seeking a multiyear contract that includes an opt-out clause after the first year.
Holland pitched through injury in 2015 and while he managed to convert 32 saves, it came with a 3.83 ERA, 3.27 FIP and 1.46 WHIP. In the two seasons prior, Holland recorded a combined 93 saves with a 1.32 ERA, averaged 13.4 strikeouts per nine innings and was twice named an All-Star.
