Reports: Rockies, All-Star closer Holland agree to 1-year deal

During his introductory press conference in early November, Colorado Rockies manager Black said to be successful, teams have to pitch, that they have to have solid depth in the pitching staff.

On Wednesday, the Rockies appeared to bolster the backend of their staff, as according to multiple media reports the team and two-time All-Star closer Greg Holland have agreed to a one-year deal.

Yahoo Sports MLB columnist first reported that Holland, who missed all of the 2016 season recovering from Tommy John surgery, will make $7 million guaranteed, but that could increase with incentive bonuses.

Source: Greg Holland’s deal with the Rockies is one year, $7M guaranteed. Non-closing incentives take it to $10M. Could get $14M as closer.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 25, 2017

Holland, 31, last pitched for the Kansas City Royals, where he began his career in 2010, during the 2015 season. Before being shut down just before the postseason with a torn elbow ligament, Holland had 32 saves and 3.83 ERA, helping pave a path toward a World Series victory.

The previous two seasons, wherein he earned his two All-Star selections, Holland combined for a 1.32 ERA with 93 saves in 133 games. He also had 13.4 strikeouts per 9 innings, and he has 12.1 in six seasons.

Holland did not play in 2016 while recovering from the Tommy John surgery.

Adam Ottavino, who had been the Rockies closer for part of the 2015 season, also underwent the procedure, returning to action for Colorado in July. Last year, the role went to lefty Jake McGee and then righty Carlos Estevez when McGee went down with a knee injury in June.

Colorado also added left-hander Mike Dunn on a 3-year, $19 million deal this offseason to bolster the bullpen.

Heading into the 2017 campaign, however, Denver Post Rockies beat writer Patrick Saunders said he believes Ottavino remains the “clear favorite” for the closing role as Holland works back to his previous form.

I think Ottavino remains clear favorite to open season as closer. Holland is going to have a lot of rust. https://t.co/z5oVx06iT2

— Patrick Saunders (@psaundersdp) January 25, 2017

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