Are the New York Yankees Still a Fit for Free Agent Closer Greg Holland?

The New York Yankees were rumored to be pursuing Greg Holland earlier in the offseason, but it’s unclear if their signing of Aroldis Chapman has affected their interest in adding the free agent closer.

The New York Yankees were one of 18 MLB clubs who sent representatives to watch former Kansas City Royals closer Greg Holland’s showcase in early November. At the Winter Meetings, his name came up several times in rumors as a backup plan in case they failed to land their top target Aroldis Chapman.

Now that Chapman has inked his massive five-year $86 million deal to return to the Bronx, it’s worth asking whether they retain any interest in signing Holland, who should come at an extreme discount after missing the entire 2016 campaign following Tommy John surgery.

Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported at the time of Holland’s showcase that, while it was clear the 31-year-old righty was still building up arm strength (he was throwing mostly around 89-91 mph with his fastball), the general opinion of those in attendance was that he looked healthy and his rehab seemed to be progressing well. Sherman cited one scout who opined:

"He had good extension, which suggests he is healthy. This is his fastball in November, 13 months after surgery — it will be something else in spring training. But this is the key now: What does he look like in four months? That is really what you are trying to figure out."

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Holland’s agent Scott Boras made it clear at the November General Managers’ Meetings that his client was more than willing to pitch in a non-closer role, describing him as a “high-leverage premium pitcher” in the vein of an Andrew Miller. That would seem to indicate that having Chapman already in the closer’s job wouldn’t necessarily prevent Holland from coming to the Bronx.

At the same time, being a “Proven Closer” still pays well, and with so many teams out there looking for one, New York may not end up being the best fit for Holland. There has not been any rumors that the club maintains their interest since the Chapman signing.

Another consideration is that general manager Brian Cashman told the media after the Winter Meetings that he is more or less” financially tapped out” at this point in the offseason after bringing Chapman and Matt Holliday on board. Maybe if they move Brett Gardner as many expect that would free up enough cash for a run at Holland.

Admittedly, what the Yankees really need is another dependable starting pitcher, but with the prices for rotation help skyrocketing, Cashman could once again try the super-bullpen approach to improving the team’s run prevention.

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Arguably it would have worked pretty well last year if the offense hadn’t completely collapsed. When they were given leads to protect, the Chapman, Miller, Betances combo was extremely effective. Trading out Miller for Holland is a probably downgrade at this point, unless he bounces back being the best closer in baseball as he was from 2013-2014, but on a one-year contract, it would be a fun experiment.