Elite closers Aroldis Chapman, Kenley Jansen and Mark Melancon dominated the free-agent market for relief pitchers through the early stages of the offseason, but beyond the trio were a slew of second-tier options.
Included in that group was former Kansas City Royals closer Greg Holland. His list of suitors reportedly included the Colorado Rockies, Los Angeles Dodgers and Washington Nationals, among others.
The 31-year-old was said to be seeking a multiyear contract, and in some regard appears to have received by agreeing to terms with the Rockies, according to Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports:
Source: RP Greg Holland and the Colorado Rockies have agreed on a one-year deal with a vesting option for a second year, pending physical.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 25, 2017
Source: Greg Holland's deal with the Rockies is one year, $7M guaranteed. Non-closing incentives take it to $10M. Could get $14M as closer.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 25, 2017
Amid a report last December that his club submitted a multiyear offer to Holland, Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich only went so far as to confirm interest in the right-hander.
Holland missed the entire 2016 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent in October 2015. Holland pitched through pain that season and though he managed to record 32 saves, it was accompanied by a 3.83 ERA, 3.27 FIP and 1.46 WHIP.
From 2013-14, Holland was a two-time All-Star and converted a combined 93 saves with a 1.32 ERA, 1.59 FIP and averaged 13.4 strikeouts per nine innings.
Colorado relievers owned a combined 5.13 ERA last season, which was highest in the Majors. They were affected by not having Adam Ottavino for the first half of the year while he recovered from Tommy John surgery, and losing Jake McGee for a stretch due to a knee injury.
Offseason changes for the Rockies include hiring Bud Black as manager, signing left-handed reliever Mike Dunn to a three-year, $19 million contract, inking Ian Desmond for five years for five years and $70 million, and agreeing to terms with Alexi Amarista.
