The MLB free agency period is almost halfway through January, and many big-name players remain free agents. One of those free agents is closer Greg Holland. Where might Holland end up in 2018?
Last January, closer Greg Holland signed a one-year deal with the Colorado Rockies looking to bounce-back from missing the entire 2016 season. Holland showed off his dominance with the Rockies and proved he’s still one of the top closers in today’s game.
The 32-year-old reliever had a breakout season with the Kansas City Royals in 2013. He converted 47 out of 50 save opportunities, while posting an ERA of 1.21 with 103 strikeouts. His strong season earned him his first All-Star game appearance.
Holland followed up his stellar 2013 with another good season in 2014. In 2014, the right-hander converted 46 out 48 save opportunities, while posting an ERA of 1.44 with 90 strikeouts. Holland earned himself another All-Star appearance and also became the first player to receive the Mariano Rivera AL Reliever of the Year award.
The following season, Holland wasn’t as dominant. He converted 32 out of 37 save opportunities, but his ERA skyrocketed to 3.83, and he only struck out 49 batters. Toward the end of 2015, Holland underwent Tommy John surgery to heal his torn UCL in his right elbow.
After missing the 2016 season, Holland signed a one-year, $6 million deal with the Rockies in 2017. Included in that deal was a $15 million option for the 2018 season if he pitched in 50 games or finished 30 games in 2017.
Holland accomplished both those feats with the Rockies. He pitched in 61 games and finished 58 of them. Holland converted 41 out of 45 saves with a 3.61 ERA and 70 strikeouts. He became an All-Star for the third time last season. Not only did Holland have a good season but he didn’t it in a tough pitcher’s environment in Colorado.
After the season ended, Holland declined the vesting option and decided to test the MLB free agency market. But with a limited market so far this season, that decision could cost Holland money.
Let’s take a look at a few MLB teams that Greg Holland could end up in 2018.