Texas Rangers: Greg Holland Would Be A Perfect Fit in Arlington

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 09: Closer Greg Holland (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 09: Closer Greg Holland (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

General manager Jon Daniels continues to say the Texas Rangers are looking to add pitching depth. What about adding an elite level closing pitcher? Could the Rangers sign Greg Holland this winter?

It’s safe to say the Texas Rangers do not often spend big on closing pitchers. The organization tends to lean towards pitchers in their own system over experienced veterans arms that generally get bigger deals.

Could 2018 be the year that the Rangers actually spend on a closer and sign Greg Holland? The 31-year-old reliever is coming off a terrific season with the Colorado Rockies. He was expected to receive a long-term deal this off-season, but still remains on the free agent market.

Last season, Holland went 3-6 with a 3.61 ERA in 61 games with 41 saves. It was his first season in the majors since 2015, but he didn’t miss a beat. Holland’s strikeout numbers actually increased after having Tommy John surgery.

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Holland is a three-time All-Star and recorded more saves (41) than the Rangers entire team last season (29). The Rangers finished 29th in saves last season and the bullpen numbers were fairly ugly overall.

Acquiring a talent like Holland would be an enormous upgrade to the Rangers pen. It won’t be cheap, but the Rangers can afford to spend some money in free agency. Texas went cheap with their starting pitching additions, which means they could spend big on a relief pitcher.

The Rangers do not have a reliable closer on their roster, but believe multiple pitchers could step up and become one. It’s difficult to pass up such a talented pitcher like Holland. Signing Holland gives Texas a big boost that they desperately need right now.

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