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MLB Free Agency 2017: Top 18 players left on the market

By Joshua Sadlock

Oct 14, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion hits a single against the Cleveland Indians in the third inning in game one of the 2016 ALCS playoff baseball series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 14, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion hits a single against the Cleveland Indians in the third inning in game one of the 2016 ALCS playoff baseball series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 15, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Greg Holland (56) flips the ball to third base to make a force out during the ninth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. The Royals won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 15, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Greg Holland (56) flips the ball to third base to make a force out during the ninth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. The Royals won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Greg Holland, RHP

Greg Holland will be returning to the big leagues after missing the entire 2016 season recovering from Tommy John surgery. Before his injury, the Kansas City Royals closer was one of the best late-inning weapons in baseball, and had received Cy Young votes in two straight years. Holland held a showcase in November that was well attended by major-league scouts and executives, but still has more work to do this winter as he looks to regain velocity and command of his devastating slider.

There is expected to be healthy interest in Holland, but his asking price — reportedly near $20 million over two years — might have to come down. Relievers face a tricky road back to the big leagues after Tommy John surgery, as the rigors of pitching multiple times each week can be more stressful on the surgically-repaired ligaments than starting every five days. As a two-pitch pitcher, Holland must be able to show that he can get the same type of bite on his slider.

The Cubs and Dodgers stand out as teams that showed the most early interest in Holland, and both may still have room for him in their bullpens. The Dodgers addressed their biggest need by re-signing closer Kenley Jansen, but always seem to have a hole in the eighth inning. The Cubs have made a few minor moves to surround new closer Wade Davis, adding Brian Duensing and Koji Uehara, but should still consider adding Holland.

In addition to the Cubs and Dodgers, the Washington Nationals should be taking a long, hard look at Holland. The Nats missed out on all three elite closers in this year’s class, and still need someone to pitch the ninth-inning. Counting on Holland to close right away, however, may be too risky, and Washington may fill their void through the trade market.

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