Rockies sign Greg Holland to 1-year deal

The Rockies and reliever Greg Holland have agreed to a one-year, $7 million contract, according to Yahoo’s Jeff Passan. The deal includes incentives that can push its value to $14 million if Holland is the team’s closer and a vesting option for 2018.

Holland drew interest from multiple teams this winter as an intriguing late-inning alternative to expensive options like Aroldis Chapman, Kenley Jansen and Mark Melancon. Colorado was joined by the Nationals, Rays, Dodgers, Brewers, Cubs and others in pursuit of Holland, who also entertained a return to the Royals.

Holland will likely take over ninth-inning duties for the Rox, slotting in behind Chad Qualls, Jason Motte, Jake McGee, Adam Ottavino and fellow free-agent signee Michael Dunn in the club’s bullpen. Ottavino was originally projected to be the club’s closer, though a healthy Holland would likely get the nod.

Holland last appeared on a major-league mound in 2015, when he posted a 3.83 ERA while saving 32 games in 48 appearances for Kansas City. He was one of the game’s most dominant closers when healthy for the Royals, saving 145 games and notching a 2.42 ERA and 12.1 K/9 over six seasons.

Holland joins Dunn and Ian Desmond as major additions for the Rockies this winter as they look to contend in the National League West this season.