Colorado Rockies: an update on closer Greg Holland

There have been conflicting reports on what could happen with the Colorado Rockies and possibly resigning their 2017 closer, Greg Holland.

Earlier this morning, Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports and MLB Network reported that the Rockies were “closing in” in on a deal.

However, just 23 minutes later, MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reported that the Rockies and Holland were “just talking” and that a deal was not imminent.

Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reports that the Rockies and Holland had not agreed to a deal yet but they have a good offer on the table and Jon Heyman reported that there is “strong optimism” that a deal will get done.

If a deal between the Rockies and Greg Holland gets done, it would be a very successful 24 hours for the Rockies. It would also mean that the Rockies would re-sign two of the three relievers that were on the 2017 Rockies that became free agents (Pat Neshek re-signed with the Phillies on Monday).

The Rockies signed Bryan Shaw late last night and they signed Jake McGee this morning (both to three-year deals).

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Holland in 2017

With the Rockies in 2017, Greg Holland made 61 appearances with 41 saves (tied for second most in the major leagues and tied for the most in the National League with the Los Angeles Dodgers closer, Kenley Jansen).

He had an ERA of 3.61 and a ERA+ of 139. He allowed 6.3 hits, 4.1 walks, and struck out 11.0 batters per nine innings. He also was one of four All-Stars to represent the Rockies in Miami at the All-Star Game.

It should be noted that with the exception of his disastrous August, he pitched much better than those numbers. In August, he had an ERA of 13.50 and a opponent batting average of .333. Excluding August, the highest ERA that he had in a month was in July when he had an ERA of 2.25 and his highest opponent batting average was .214.

Final Thoughts

If the Rockies do sign Holland, it would be a coup for the team to get three relievers signed at the Winter Meetings. If they do leave the Winter Meetings with it done, I would believe that they would then turn their attention to addressing first base or a corner outfield bat who would provide some power in a Rockies lineup that struggled throughout much of the season (they were 25th in all of baseball in OPS+).

Next: The case for signing Carlos Santana

Even if they don’t sign Holland, it has proved to be a very busy and productive Winter Meetings for the Rockies.