Report: Cubs interested in former All-Star closer |
The Chicago Cubs won their first World Series since 1908 and one of the reasons was behind the power arm of closer Aroldis Chapman.
However, according to multiple reports, Chapman wants a five-year deal in the range of $100 million. The Cubs will probably look for much cheaper options as they already have several bullpen pieces in Hector Rondon, Carl Edwards Jr., and Pedro Strop. The Cubs went to a showcase bullpen session on Monday featuring Greg Hollard who is returning from reconstructive elbow surgery as he missed the entire 2016 season as he recovered from Tommy John surgery. "The Giants, Red Sox, Rays, Cubs, Indians, and Mariners are among close to 20 teams to attend the showcase and are believed to have interest," MLB Insider Jon Heyman said. Holland has a career 2.42 ERA in six seasons with the Kansas City Royals. In 2013, he had converted 47 out of 50 save opportunities. The following season, he converted 46 out of 48 save opportunities for a 1.44 ERA and was named to the Mariano Rivera Award for outstanding closer. If Holland is healthy, he would be a much cheaper option at closer than Chapman.
