Former All-Star Closer Makes Texas Rangers Bullpen

With 220 career saves, the 36-year-old figured he still had something in the tank to offer a major league bullpen. So he signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers with an invite to spring training. Once Greg Holland got his foot in the door, he flung the door open, cementing himself a spot in the Rangers bullpen.

Old friend Greg Holland alert. https://t.co/I4yKdN5P4R

— Nate (@rocktober19) April 5, 2022

According to Joseph Hoyt of the Dallas Morning News, the final few days of camp, waiting for a decision, were "agonizing" for Holland. In his 5 innings pitched in the Cactus League this spring, he struck out six, walked only one, and didn't allow a run. 

In his career, Holland is a three-time All-Star, and has racked up three seasons of 40+ saves. He helped the Kansas City Royals to a World Series win in 2015, and along with those 220 lifetime saves, he has a career ERA of 3.10. He doesn't quite rack up the strikeouts as in the past, but he can still get the job done.  

Manager Chris Woodward said Holland will be in the mix for the closer's role, though he's not naming one just yet. 

“We’re not going to name a closer opening day. We’re not going to do that,” Woodward said. “It’s probably going to morph into somebody earning that spot. The fact that [Holland] has done it helps.”

Woodward said others in the mix include Joe Barlow, Matt Bush and Josh Sborz.

Photo Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports