Kansas City Royals Top Five Relief Pitchers

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3. Greg Holland (2010-present, 9.5 WAR)

Over the past two seasons, the Kansas City Royals have become known for their amazing defense and their stellar bullpen. In particular, the bullpen Cerberus of Greg Holland, Wade Davis and Kelvin Herrera earned plenty of national recognition last season, especially given the Royals playoff run.

Since stepping in as the Royals closer part way through the 2012 season, Holland has been virtually untouchable. In his two full seasons closing, Holland has made the All-Star team, finished ninth in the Cy Young vote both years and earned MVP votes. In fact, those two years have earned Holland the distinction of being the best closer in baseball.

It is certainly easy to see why that would be the case. Thus far in Holland’s time with the Royals, he has posted a 2.19 ERA and a 1.069 WHiP, saving 113 games. However, those career totals do not do justice to Holland’s performance over the past two seasons, where he has cemented his place in the pantheon of closers. Over those past two seasons, Holland has notched 93 saves with a 1.32 ERA and a 0.889 WHiP, striking out 193 batters in 129.1 innings of work.

If the Royals and Greg Holland ever do come to terms on the long debated extension, then he could end up as the greatest reliever in Kansas City Royals history. He certainly appears to be well on his way right now.

Next: The all time Royals saves leader