MLB Rumors: Greg Holland, St. Louis Cardinals close to deal, per reports

MLB Rumors: Greg Holland and the St. Louis Cardinals are close on a deal for the free agent reliever, according to both Jon Heyman and Jon Morosi on Twitter. Holland, the former Kansas City Royals closer who spent the 2017 season closing for the Colorado Rockies, is the last of the big name free agents on the market.

The Texas Rangers had reportedly checked in on Holland, and Adrian Beltre made some pointed remarks a few days ago about wishing the Rangers had added a closer, but it doesn’t look like the Rangers were ever that serious about Holland, who would cost the Rangers a second round pick, as well as bonus pool money, due to him having been made the qualifying offer. Holland missed all of 2016 due to Tommy John surgery, and had a solid 2017 season with the Rockies, but wasn’t the dominant pitcher he was from 2011-14 for the Royals. The 3.61 ERA and 11 Ks per 9 for Colorado is solid, given the park effects there, but the 32 year old had a 6.38 ERA in the second half of the season, and there seemed to be concerns around the league about whether Holland is still an elite reliever, or is just another good bullpen arm.

No info yet on terms, but once that comes available we will update.

UPDATE -- Reports indicate it is one year, $14 million.