Blue Jays may be interested in trading for Royals closer Greg Holland

The Toronto Blue Jays may be interested in Royals closer Greg Holland, writes Bob Elliott of the Toronto Sun. While he doesn't write that the two sides have had specific talks, he does mention the Blue Jays need for a closer.

“He’s available, but they’re asking for a lot in return,” said someone familiar with the trade talks.

The Royals don’t have to move Holland, but they have Wade Davis and Kelvin Herrera back from last season’s successful run into the post- season and Luke Hochevar, who missed this year due to injury, has signed a two-year $10-million deal.

Kansas City is looking for starting pitching in return after James Shields hit the open market.

The Blue Jays had the third-worst bullpen ERA in the American League last year, and their closer Casey Janssen is a free agent, leaving Brett Cecil, Aaron Loup, Steve Delabar, and possibly Aaron Sanchez as internal closer candidates. John Sickels writes that the Blue Jays have a farm system in the top half of baseball, although they have already traded some of that depth away in the Josh Donaldson trade.

The Jays have some young Major League-ready starting pitchers that could interest the Royals like Drew Hutchison, Daniel Norris, and Aaron Sanchez (Marcus Stroman would probably be off-limits). While the Jays have some terrific hitters, they don't have the kind of depth that would allow them to fill the Royals need in the outfield.

Can a deal be worked out? Or is this story being floated to help the Jays negotiate with a free agent closer like David Robertson?