Report: Royals expecting to keep bullpen intact; will consider extension for Kelvin Herrera

Contrary to recent speculation, the Kansas City Royals aren't expected to dismantle the imposing trio of relievers that helped fuel a World Series run several months ago, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.

Greg Holland's name surfaced earlier this offseason in trade rumors, as the 29-year-old closer is projected to earn $9.3 million through arbitration in 2015 - a princely sum that fueled speculation the Royals might try to unload him. Heyman, however, reported Monday the Royals are expecting to retain "all their great relievers now," quashing trade speculation surrounding Holland, Wade Davis and Kelvin Herrera.

The Royals may even consider broaching an extension with Herrera - the least experienced of the three - who is eligible for salary arbitration for the first time winter, qualifying as a Super 2 player. Though he remains under club control through the 2018 campaign, the Royals may try to broker an extension that offers more guaranteed years at a salary that won't escalate as dramatically as it normally would through arbitration.

Herrera, who turned 25 last month, enjoyed the finest season of his career in 2014, crafting a 1.41 ERA with a 1.14 WHIP while yielding zero home runs over 70 innings. His fastball averaged 99.21 miles per hour last season, and he limited right-handed batters to a measly .186/.276/.233 line.