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MLB free agency 2017: 5 teams who should take a chance on Greg Holland

By Joshua Sadlock

Sep 18, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Greg Holland (56) pitches 12th inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Detroit won 5-4 in twelve innings. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Greg Holland (56) pitches 12th inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Detroit won 5-4 in twelve innings. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 10, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel (46) prepares to deliver a pitch in the eighth inning against the Cleveland Indians during game three of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel (46) prepares to deliver a pitch in the eighth inning against the Cleveland Indians during game three of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Boston Red Sox

The Red Sox have already been linked to Holland after his showcase. Rob Bradford of WEEI described the team’s interest as “strong,” and it makes sense. Closer Craig Kimbrel is the only sure thing in the Boston bullpen for 2017.

While the Red Sox ultimately won the AL East in 2016, their leaky bullpen led to more than a few headaches. Boston relievers blew 18 saves on the year, and Kimbrel had the worst season of his career. Brad Ziegler was a steadying presence after being acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks, but is a free agent this winter. Koji Uehara is also a free agent, and may have played his last games with the Red Sox.

Boston needs all the help it can get passing the baton to Kimbrel. Their team ERA of 3.75 in the seventh inning or later ranked 15th in the league. Throw Holland into the mix, and it becomes much easier for the Red Sox to hold a lead and get the ball to their closer. The bullpen is the one glaring weakness on a very complete team. Boston’s overwhelming offensive talent and steady rotation mostly cover for the middling relievers. With some margin for error, Dave Dombrowski and the front office can take a big swing and sign a rebound candidate like Greg Holland.

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