The crop of free-agent relievers this winter was headlined by Aroldis Chapman, Kenley Jansen and Mark Melancon. Each was expected to, and did, sign a contract that shattered Jonathan Papelbon’s four-year, $50 million deal that set the record for largest received by a closer.
With the elite trio no longer on the market, the next tier of relievers has taken center stage, with the group including Greg Holland. The former Kansas City Royals closer missed the entire 2016 while recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Holland has drawn interest from multiple clubs, including the Los Angeles Dodgers. The right-hander indicated he’s comfortable pitching either as a set-up man or closer.
As for contract terms, Holland reportedly is seeking a two-year deal that allows for him to opt out after the first year, according to Jon Heyman of Today’s Knuckleball:
Free agent closer Greg Holland is seeking an unusual two-year deal with a one-year opt-out that could allow him to re-test a free agent market that showed a strong affinity for closers this winter.
The Colorado Rockies reportedly submitted a multiyear contract offer to Holland, which general manager Jeff Bridrich did not confirm, but acknowledged his club has interest in the 31-year-old.
The Dodgers were among several clubs who attended Holland’s showcase last November. The throwing session was his first completed in public since undergoing Tommy John surgery in October 2015.
Pitching with a torn labrum in his elbow, Holland struggled in 2015, finishing with 32 saves, a 3.83 ERA, 3.27 FIP and 1.46 WHIP. In the two seasons prior, he converted a combined 93 saves with a 1.32 ERA, averaged 13.4 strikeouts per nine innings and twice earned All-Star Game honors.
While the Dodgers are looking to round out their bullpen, the club reportedly prefers to sign relief pitchers to one-year contracts.
