Former Royals reliever Greg Holland has sat out the entire season after having Tommy John surgery in 2015, but agent Scott Boras says the free agent is “back at it full steam” and will have a showcase for teams in the next week, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post. Boras says that Holland is throwing off a mound three or four times per week, with velocity in the low 90s. Holland threw in the mid- to upper-nineties when he was at his peak.
Holland suffered a “significant tear” of his ulnar collateral ligament in September of 2015 and had Tommy John surgery a few weeks later. The typical recovery time for Tommy John surgery is 12 to 16 months, and often times performance declines after the surgery. The Royals non-tendered Holland last winter, making him a free agent.
Dayton Moore stressed the need for bullpen depth when he addressed the media following the season, so many expect him to pursue former Royals reliever Greg Holland this off-season. The Atlanta Braves are also rumored to be interested. Relievers are expected to be highly sought after this off-season after the performance of Aroldis Chapman and Andrew Miller in the post-season. Based on past elite relievers who have suffered Tommy John surgery, I estimated Holland would likely command a one-year contract worth around $8 million plus incentives and an option.