Report: Greg Holland asking for 2-year deal with 1-year opt-out
Greg Holland is looking to make his comeback on very specific terms.
The former All-Star closer, who missed the entire 2016 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, is reportedly asking interested teams for a two-year contract with an opt-out after 2017, Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports reports.
Adding an opt-out to his contract would allow Holland to re-enter free agency next season with an eye on cashing in should he have a strong comeback season. He'd stand to gain financially from this kind of deal as long as he performs to his ability, given how the market for bullpen arms has exploded this winter.
The three biggest contracts ever signed by relievers were all handed out this offseason, and even non-closers like southpaws Brett Cecil and Mike Dunn received deals at or near $30 million in total value.
Before tearing his ulnar collateral ligament in September 2015 - just as his Kansas City Royals were marching toward a World Series title - Holland had established himself as one of the most feared closers in baseball. The 31-year-old was an All-Star in 2013 and '14, struck out 103 batters in 67 innings in 2013, and won the Mariano Rivera Award as American League Reliever of the Year during the Royals' pennant-winning 2014 campaign. He's posted an ERA and WHIP below 1.0 in three of his five full big-league seasons.
Holland has reportedly received interest from the Los Angeles Dodgers, Colorado Rockies, Boston Red Sox, Washington Nationals, and Chicago Cubs at various points in the winter. His list of suitors may be growing, as Heyman reported that the Cincinnati Reds and Milwaukee Brewers are chasing him as well; both NL Central clubs are rebuilding and could have an eye on helping Holland rebuild his value as a closer before flipping him at the deadline.
The Royals, Holland's old team, apparently had some interest in bringing him back, though a reunion does not appear likely, Heyman reports.