The New York Mets are considering making a late addition their bullpen with free agent closer Greg Holland.
The New York Mets are constantly derided by their fans for not opening up the checkbook and signing players. But according to reports from Matt Ehalt of NorthJersey.com, the team is exploring the possibility of adding right-handed reliever Greg Holland.
Holland is one of the few big-name free agents still unsigned. He’s coming off an All-Star season in which he led the National League in saves with 41 (Kenley Jansen of the Dodgers also had 41). His ERA of 3.62 from last season doesn’t jump off the page, but he would be an excellent addition to a bullpen that could use another reliable arm.
This move would be crucial towards bolstering a bullpen that has been shaky at times. It would also give the team an added level of depth after Jeurys Familia missed most of last season. This signing would cement the bullpen as a team strength, rather than the question mark that it is right now.
The biggest question surrounding Holland if the Mets sign him is how do they intend to use him? He’s been a closer for the majority of his career and he’s been successful—and Mickey Callaway has already said he plans to start the season with a closer-by-committee.
They could also look to use him in a flexible role a la Andrew Miller. That would be my guess if they do in fact sign him. That’s something that will get discussed during any possible contract negotiations.
The front office received a lot of criticism this offseason, but is it deserved? The Mets went out and grabbed two big bats in Todd Frazier and Jay Bruce while simultaneously adding rotation depth with Jason Vargas. If they were to sign Holland, Mets fans should have no gripes with Sandy Alderson.
