Colorado Rockies closer Greg Holland was one of baseball’s best comeback stories in 2017. Now, he’s looking to turn that into a long-term deal.
“Greg Holland is officially a free agent after turning down his $15 million player option for 2018 with the Colorado Rockies on Sunday,” The Denver Post reported. “It was expected that Holland, who turns 32 this month, would reject the option, but the Rockies are expected to make a strong play to re-sign the closer.”
Holland underwent Tommy John Surgery late in 2015 and missed all of 2016. In 2017 — his first year in Colorado — the closer locked down 41 saves, posted a 3.61 ERA and 1.15 WHIP, and recorded 70 strikeouts in 57.1 innings pitched. Holland also made his third career All-Star team.
Barring a dramatic change, the Rockies will now certainly offer Holland the one-year, $17.4 million qualifying offer. But the fact that he rejected the $15 million offer likely means that he’s looking for a longer term deal. So, expect that to be rejected, as well. Should Holland reject the offer and sign elsewhere, Colorado will be rewarded with draft pick compensation.
Prior to the option being officially rejected, Rockies’ general manager Jeff Bridich said (via The Denver Post) that “I do believe we will be in touch with Holland’s representatives about next year, assuming he formally turns down his player option with us.”
Given that the Colorado made the playoffs in 2017 and Holland had one of the best years for a reliever in franchise history, expect the Rockies to fight hard to keep him.