On the heels of a productive late-season comeback with the Rockies in 2018, veteran outfielder/designated hitter Matt Holliday is aiming to suit up again for the 2019 season, tweets Joel Sherman of the New York Post.
Holliday, 39 in January, didn’t sign last offseason and waited just before the non-waiver trade deadline to sign a minor league contract to return to the Rockies. He joined the Rox for a September call-up and gave the club 65 plate appearances of quality overall offense. In that short time, Holliday hit .283/.415/.434 with two homers, two doubles and 12 walks against 18 strikeouts. He added a walk and another pair of hits, including a double, in nine postseason plate appearances.
Certainly, Holliday’s time as an elite corner outfielder looks to be in the rear-view mirror as he winds down a brilliant career which, to date, has spanned 15 years. His contact skills and power have faded since he was an annual lock for 25 to 35 home runs with the Rockies and Cardinals, but Holliday could still provide a team with some pop off the bench and take occasional reps in left field or at designated hitter. He also made 18 appearances at first base from 2016-17 with the Cards and Yankees, so he could perhaps be a reserve option there as well.
Generally speaking, aging corner bats haven’t fared well on the free-agent market in recent seasons, but Holliday and agent Scott Boras presumably won’t have a lofty asking price given the fact that the slugger sat out nearly all of the 2018 season. It’s not clear whether Holliday is open to signing another minor league deal and competing for a roster spot in Spring Training, but if he’s willing to do so, there could be multiple such opportunities.
Holiday is probably going to resign with Colorado on 1-yr deal. If he doesn’t get that, he’s gonna retire.
I don’t know if he’s going to be able to physically withstand an entire season in Colorado. It takes a toll on your body and he’s getting up there in age.
My guess is either Oakland or Houston.
My guess is the Rays once they realize that Nelson Cruz is out of their price range.
How was he at 1B? I’m thinking of Boston should they not agree with Pierce (which I expect to happen). If he can play a respectable 1B, he’d be my second choice after Pierce to share the position with Moreland. I just don’t see them giving Sam Travis a real shot.
His prior time in Oakland did not go all that well. I would be surprised if he ends up there.
Washed up corner infielder who is a shell of his former self, perfect another overpaid dh the Angels don’t need but will sign anyways for2 year deal 10 mil per year. Lol yes this is joke
He hates Oakland. He had a one team no trade clause and it was Oakland
He hated playing for Oakland
Love it…spend some time at home with the kids and then realize…”what did I do” lol…jk..he can still hit
Hope he can find work, seems like a quality dude. Also wonder how his career numbers may have been different if his prime was during this launch angle era. One of the strongest guys in baseball but always seemed content with line drives.
I love Holliday. That being said he’s either a DH or a Jason Giambi ph/mentor type at this point.
Mariners, Astros, Twins, Indians all look like good landing spots for Holliday.
Try going to Japan and playing there
You serious Clark?
Would mind seeing him back in Stl as a veteran clubhouse leader and lethal bat off the bench
annual lock for 25-35 hrs? not .
elite corner outfielder? same answer, not
He was more of an average hitter than got his SLG% through a lot of doubles more than HRs, sure, and maybe 20-30 HR was his realistic prime range. He defense was probably more consistent average than elite, but I’d say the fact he didn’t have a massive drop off until the past few years was somewhat elite. Some guys fall off in the OF much sooner, 4-5 years sooner.
How about jacking it in San Diego? lol
I could see Pittsburgh, Colorado or Houston maybe taking a flyer on him.
He can play LF and 1st just not very well. He’d be an alright platoon DH.
Let me know when he touches home.