MLB free agency: Rockies will make long-term play for Greg Holland

The Colorado Rockies want to keep their bullpen intact and sign free agent Greg Holland to a long-term deal, Jon Heyman reports.

Holland declined his $15 million player option last weekend, and will decline the $17.4 million qualifying offer from the Rockies to officially become a free agent.

The Rockies are prepared to lock up Holland on a multi-year deal, despite a noticeable decline in Holland’s performance in the second half of the 2017 season. Holland posted a 1.62 ERA in the first half of the season, but faltered after the All-Star break, pitching to a 6.38 ERA in the second half of the season.

Despite the second half struggles, Holland finished the regular season with 41 saves, tied for the National League lead.

The Rockies appear to be looking past Holland’s elbow surgery in 2016, which caused him to miss the entire season. Holland was among the best relievers in baseball during his time with the Royals before the injury, and has seen his strikeout numbers decline since his time in Kansas City.

Holland, 31, is expected to draw interest from multiple teams, though Heyman also reports Holland being very comfortable in Colorado.