Closer Greg Holland reaches deal with Royals

Closer Greg Holland agreed to a deal with the Kansas City Royals on Friday, avoiding arbitration.

According to the Associated Press, the deal is for one year and $8.25 million. Holland will get a $100,000 assignment bonus if he is traded under the deal. Last year he made $4,725,000 and he asked for $9 million. The Royals offered him $6.65 million.

"He's one of the most dominant relief pitchers in the game and in the history of the Kansas City Royals," Royals general manager Dayton Moore said. "His impact on the bullpen and to the team has just been enormous."

Holland’s deal comes just one day after the Royals reached a two-year deal with Kelvin Herrera. The Royals have also used their option on Wade Davis and reached a two-year deal with reliever Luke Hochevar. First baseman Eric Hosmer is the only arbitration eligible player that still doesn’t have a contract.

Holland, who was drafted by the Royals in 2007, has spent his entire career with the team. Last year he was probably the best closer in the American League. He had 46 saves with a 1.44 ERA and in the playoffs he had seven save with a 0.82 ERA and a 0.818 WHIP, according to MLB.com. Since 2012 when he became the Royals primary closer, Holland has 109 saves with a 1.88 ERA and 284 strikeouts in just under 200 innings.

The Royals also signed free agent right-handed pitcher Joe Blanton to a minor league deal on Friday. Holland is eligible for free agency after the 2016 season.