Greg Holland is perhaps the biggest MLB free agent who still remains unsigned, but it turns out that it may partly be by choice.
During a live chat Wednesday, Colorado Rockies beat writer Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post received a question about Holland’s future. Saunders replied that the Rockies were no longer an option for the three-time All-Star and that he turned down a “big” offer to return to Colorado, which Saunders categorized as a “big mistake.” Saunders also mentioned the St. Louis Cardinals and the San Francisco Giants as possible landing spots for Holland.
The 32-year-old Holland had not pitched for 16 months due to Tommy John surgery on his right elbow when he signed a one-year deal with the Rockies last offseason. He proved himself to be more than healthy in 2017 however, tying for the National League lead with 41 saves in 45 opportunities and making the NL All-Star team. Holland declined his player option for 2018 though and has yet to land a new contract anywhere.
Of the options Saunders listed, the Giants might be a logical choice given the recent uncertainty surrounding their bullpen. But in any case, Holland may have missed his chance for whatever deal he was hoping for with Opening Day now just hours away and the fairly vast availability of relievers leaguewide.
