Could the Phillies, constantly in need of bullpen help this season, go after another castoff closer?
The Diamondbacks designated Greg Holland for assignment this week following a month's worth of poor performances. Holland allowed 12 runs in 9⅔ innings from June 29 to Aug. 5, resulting in his removal from the closer's spot. The D-backs replaced him with Archie Bradley.
Prior to that, though, Holland had been effective, posting a 2.08 ERA and 12 saves through the end of June.
Because Holland is a National League player, he must pass through only nine teams to reach the Phillies, the nine teams behind them in the NL. Holland's contract pays him a total of $3.9 million this season (he's already reached a $650,000 games finished incentive), so a claiming team would be on the hook for the remainder of that salary.
If Holland clears waivers, which seems a tad unlikely even given his recent struggles, any team would be free to sign him and that team would not be on the hook for his remaining 2019 salary. Instead, the new team would pay him the prorated league minimum.
Holland has struggled with control since 2015 but has still been able to have some dynamic seasons, and he's always done a good job of keeping the ball in the park. He was well on his way to another strong year before the midsummer struggles.
The Phillies are in no position to decline any external help for the bullpen. Holland would at least be an improvement over pitchers like Juan Nicasio and perhaps Blake Parker and Mike Morin as well.
MLB
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