Holland joins D-backs on 1-year deal

PHOENIX -- The D-backs added depth to the back end of their bullpen Thursday by signing free agent right-hander Greg Holland to a one-year, $3.5 million deal which includes an additional $3.5 million in incentive bonuses.
Holland joins Archie Bradley and Yoshihisa Hirano at the back of the D-backs' bullpen.
When asked at last month's Winter Meetings who his closer would be, Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said if he had to pick at that moment it would be Bradley, and that still seems likely the way the team will go.
Holland, who split the 2018 season between the Cardinals and Nationals, gives the D-backs an additional closer option as well as increased depth for the back end of games.
"Torey is going to ultimately decide that," D-backs general manager Mike Hazen said of the closer's role. "[Holland's] got back-end experience. He's going to pitch in high-leverage situations. I think last year you saw Archie close out some games when [Brad] Boxberger wasn't available. The main thing is, Holland gives us depth and options."

Holland struggled with St. Louis, posting a 7.92 ERA in 32 appearances and walking 22 batters in 25 innings before being released in August, but the 33-year-old was excellent after signing with Washington on Aug. 7.
In 24 appearances for the Nats down the stretch, Holland had a 0.84 ERA, with 25 strikeouts and 10 walks in 21 1/3 innings.
Holland is just two years removed from his National League Comeback Player of the Year Award effort in 2017, when he was an All-Star and tied for the NL lead with 41 saves for the Rockies. He was an All-Star for the Royals in 2013-14, during which he saved 93 games.
Last year, the D-backs used Boxberger as their closer for much of the season, with Bradley and Hirano working in setup roles.
When Boxberger struggled in the second half, Lovullo mixed and matched the three at the end of games.
Bradley was dominant in 2017, when he appeared in 63 games and compiled a 1.73 ERA in 73 innings.
Last year, Bradley was bothered on and off by a split fingernail on his right forefinger, which limited the use of his curveball and his effectiveness fell off. In 76 games, Bradley had a 3.64 ERA. In 2017, he had an ERA+ of 273, a mark that fell to 119 in 2018.
Hirano, who was signed out of Japan to a two-year, $6 million deal last offseason, saved three games and had a 2.44 ERA over 75 appearances.