Making the case, KC Royals free agents

Reunions with old players don’t always work, but the KC Royals found one that did during the 2020 season.

It’s often tempting to want a team to sign some of their former players, especially if they had good runs in the past. Even if that player has struggled elsewhere, there is some hope that a return “home” will reignite their abilities and the player that was once loved will once again be putting on a show every night.

While it’s typically best to stay away from these scenarios, Greg Holland turned out to be a different story. Holland was one of the most dominate closers in baseball during his first stint with the Royals, and had he not been injured, his success may have lasted longer. His time in Kansas City came to a close though, and after a successful 2017 season in Colorado, he struggled to get things going.

Finally, in 2020, he can back to the Royals. There were some concerns, but on a cheap contract it was worth a shot. Holland ended the season having pitched 28 innings, racking up 6 saves, 31 strikeouts, and an ERA of 1.91 and FIP of 2.52. At times he looked like the old Holland. While he doesn’t have the same dominance, he looked comfortable on the mound in Kansas City.

Holland will be 35 in 2021 and while he was successful in 2020, the Royals should still move with caution. He needs to come on the right deal to make his singing worth the risk. The Royals may be willing to pay a little more for him though, especially seeing that his veteran guidance could be important for the young arms they currently employ.

The KC Royals don’t have a lot to pick from as far as free agents go. While they will be wanting some pitching help, Greg Holland is the only free agent from the organization that should really get any attention.