Rockies’ Greg Holland declines player option

Colorado closer Greg Holland is expected to opt-out of his $15M 2018 team option and try his luck in the free agent market, reports Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports.

It’s not a surprise that the 31-year old would pass on the option and see what lies ahead in the open market. Holland tied a Rockies record for saves with 41, while also averaging 11 strikeouts per nine innings. His second year option vested with the completion of his 30th game with the team.

Holland recorded a 3.63 ERA on the year, also notching his third season recording a minimum of 40 saves.

The three-time All-Star signed a one-year contract with the Rockies January of this year after missing the entirety of the 2016 season to recover from Tommy John surgery. The $6M deal included both closer and non-closer incentives that ultimately earned Holland an extra $9M on his contract and $1M buyout for turning his option dow.

Holland’s comeback story is something we can all get behind, a tale that reminds us why we love baseball: Guy gets hurt, guy works really hard to make a comeback, guy dominates the mound. It’ll be interesting to see where he lands this winter and if the Rockies will try to lure him back to the mountains with a long-term deal.