Matt Ehalt of NJ.com reports that the Mets have recently discussed the idea of signing Greg Holland.

Anthony Dicomo of MLB.com echoes that report saying that the Mets have done their due diligence on him, and “hold a modicum” of interest. He says nothing has gotten serious yet and they haven’t made an offer.

The 32-year old signed with the Rockies for the 2017 season and made 35 appearances in the first half, notching 28 saves with a 1.62 ERA, 1.020 WHIP, and an 11.6 K/9. On the strength of that first half, Holland was named an All-Star.

Over the final two months, Holland had a 7.38 ERA, 1.368 WHIP, and a 9.5 K/9. In that stretch, he was 2-5 and 8/11 in save opportunities.

He finished 2017 with a 3.61 ERA, 41 saves, 3.72 FIP, 1.15 WHIP and 2.69 SO/W. He then opted out of a player option for 2018 that would have paid him $15 million to stay with the Rockies.

Holland then proceeded to decline a $17.4 million qualifying offer, that complicates the situation for the Mets since they would be forced to forfeit $500,000 of international bonus pool money and a second-round pick if they signed him before the MLB Draft in June.

The addition of the right-hander could dramatically improve the bullpen, as the righty would add a third reliever with significant closing experience. He would likely serve as the set-up man if the Mets added him, but with Mickey Callaway not committing to an every night closer, Holland would likely get some save opportunities.

The price tag might not be as high as many would have predicted earlier in the offseason as the season starts tomorrow and many teams have probably removed themselves from the picture.

Jon Heyman of FanRag projected Holland would get a four-year, $64 million contract at the onset of the offseason. Considering the righty got passed on by the team he revived his career with in favor of Wade Davis and the lack of buzz surrounding the closer’s market, I’d be surprised if he even got half of that.

I’m sure everyone thought the offseason buzz of free agency was over, but it might seep into the regular season this year.