The Los Angeles Dodgers took a necessary stride toward solidifying their bullpen by reportedly agreeing to a five-year, $80 million contract with Kenley Jansen. That came soon after the Miami Marlins were said to be making a strong push to ink the right-handed closer.
Losing out on Jansen would have left the Dodgers without a closer and facing a lack of elite options on the open market. Aroldis Chapman and Mark Melancon were first to come off the board, as they signed with the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants, respectively.
Among those who are still free agents is former Kansas City Royals closer Greg Holland. According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, Holland met with the Dodgers and other clubs during the Winter Meetings:
Sources: Free-agent reliever Greg Holland met with contending teams at winter meetings, including #Dodgers.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 11, 2016
Per ESPN’s Buster Olney, the Dodgers and Holland remain in talks over a one-year contract:
A possible safety net for LAD if Jansen signs elsewhere: They continue to be one of the teams talking w/Greg Holland, about a 1-year deal.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) December 12, 2016
The Dodgers have been connected to Holland since his showcase in November. It was the right-hander’s first public throwing session since undergoing Tommy John surgery in October 2015.
While pitching through elbow discomfort in 2015, Holland had 32 saves with a 3.83 ERA, 3.27 FIP and 1.46 WHIP. He was an All-Star in 2013 and 2014, converting a combined 93 saves with a 1.32 ERA and averaging 13.4 strikeouts per nine innings during that span.
Scott Boras, Holland’s agent, said his client is hopeful to sign a multiyear contract, with the understanding it would likely include a low guaranteed salary and several incentives. Holland is also open to working as a set-up man.
