Colorado Rockies Rumors: Matt Holliday Now A Free Agent

Now that it’s official and Matt Holliday isn’t returning to the St. Louis Cardinals in 2017, could that open the door for the Colorado Rockies to re-sign their former star?

Holliday signed a seven-year, $120 million deal in 2010 with the Cardinals. However, the team reportedly declined to pick up his option for next season which would have paid him $17 million. Rather than pay Holliday $17 million, the Cardinals chose a $1 million buyout.

With the Cardinals out of the picture, it sets up a scenario where Holliday could return to the Rockies at first base. I talked about the options for Colorado’s first base position, including Holliday, in this article. Additionally, I spoke with MLB.com’s Thomas Harding about the scenario in this podcast.

A right-handed power hitter is just what the Rockies are looking for in a first baseman for the 2017 season. Holliday played in 10 games last season at first base for the Cardinals, the only time in his career he manned the position.

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If Holliday doesn’t sign with the Rockies, it is thought he could head to an American League team as a designated hitter. Turning 37 in January, age is a bit of a concern with Holliday playing in an everyday role. He was named an All-Star in 2015 despite playing in just 73 games. Last season, he saw action in 110 games, but still blasted 20 homers and knocked in 62 runs.

On the surface, a reunion in Colorado makes sense on a lot of levels for Holliday and the Rockies. Holliday’s best season came in 2007 with the Rockies when he finished second in the National League MPV voting after belting 36 homers and a league-high 137 RBI. He also hit 50 doubles on his way to a .340 average.

Next: The Top 5 First Basemen in Colorado History

In five seasons in Colorado, Holliday totaled 128 homers and 483 RBI with a .319 average.