Bringing back Greg Holland would solidify a solid Kansas City Royals bullpen.
By bringing in a free agent starting pitcher to round out the starting rotation, the Kansas City Royals are looking to move Jakob Junis to the bullpen, a role the organization hopes he can excel in and become the next notable bullpen arm to come out of Kansas City.
Taking risks on Greg Holland and Trevor Rosenthal proved to pay off well as the Royals bullpen finished 12th in terms of Wins Above Replacement (1.8), 8th in combined ERA (3.84), and sixth in strikeouts (10.26/9 IP). It was a solid unit that figures to be a bright point once again in 2021.
But this is a group that could use a reliable veteran to help guide the way through a full season and what better veteran option than Greg Holland. Both Holland and Rosenthal figure to be in high demand this offseason, with Rosenthal likely getting a large handful of money thrown his way by a playoff team looking to beef up their bullpen.
Perhaps, the Royals can bring back Holland on a team-friendly deal. After a number of ups and downs and bouncing around the league from 2017-2019 after recovering from Tommy John surgery, Holland regained his footing with Kansas City in 2020, a franchise he successfully began his major league career with.
In 28 appearances, Holland went 3-0 with six saves, a 1.91 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and a .191 average against. He recorded his usual high strikeout numbers (27%), and walked just 6% of hitters. It was the first time since 2014 in which he walked fewer than 10% of batters faced.
The Kansas City Royals could end up being more aggressive in free agency, but with some new decision-makers in place, an uncertain financial market, and a large arbitration class, it’s a little more difficult to pinpoint exactly how the Royals will attack free agency, but these three names do improve a roster that’s on the up and up.