How’s this for a crazy twist of fate? Matt Holliday, the man whom Bud Black insists never touched home plate, hooking up with Black for the Rockies’ 2017 season.

Will it happen? That remains to be seen, but Holliday is interested in the possibility.

Speaking on MLB Network Radio Wednesday, Holliday, now a free agent, was asked about the possibility of returning to Colorado, where he began his all-star career.

“I’d consider it for sure,” he said. “Great young team. I’d be interested for a (number) of reasons.”

Holliday, who turns 37 in January, played seven seasons with the Cardinals, being named an all-star four times. He’s clearly at the back end of his career, but he still has pop in his bat. Although he hit just .246 for the Cardinals this past season, he still slugged 20 home runs and drove in 62 runs. According to Statcast, Holliday ranked third in the majors in average exit velocity. Related Articles November 5, 2016 Saunders: Rockies’ brass could learn a few things from Cleveland Indians

November 8, 2016 Excited for Rockies after hiring of manager Bud Black

November 7, 2016 Owner Dick Monfort says Rockies’ payroll will set a record high in 2017

It’s not the first time Holliday has approached the idea of returning to Coors Field. When the Cardinals came to Colorado in September, Holliday went out to dinner with friends and some former Rockies teammates and told them he would be interested in returning to Colorado.

The Rockies need a powerful, right-handed bat, and they have a hole at first base. It’s something that general manager Jeff Bridich wants to address.

“If we can add an impactful bat at first base — we still have not solved the post-Todd Helton era, large shoes to fill — that’s certainly on our mind,” Bridich told MLB.com this week at the general manager meetings in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Holliday would likely be a platoon player at first base and possibly in left field and would not be a full-time starter. He also might profile as a designated hitter in the American League, something he mentioned during his radio interview.

Then there is the matter of money. Holliday would likely cost about $10 million a year. That might be too rich for the the Rockies’ blood.

Bridich, of course, is not building his team based on sentimentality, but signing Holliday is intriguing.

When Black was introduced as the Rockies’ new manager on Monday, he had fun with Holliday home plate controversy.

To refresh your memory: In Game 163 of the 2007 season, Black’s Padres led the Rockies by two runs entering the bottom of the 13th inning at Coors Field. But the Rockies scored three runs against Padres closer Trevor Hoffman to win 9-8, to get into the playoffs and eventually make the World Series. The winning run scored on a sacrifice fly, with Holliday diving onto home plate.

But did Holliday actually touch the plate? Black was asked that question.

“Part of the (job) interview was up in a suite, maybe Dick (Monfort’s) suite,” Black said with a wry smile. “There were pictures of Rockies history … and staring me right in the face was the Rockies dog pile of Holliday in the 163rd game.”

Then Black paused and said: “To this day, I don’t think he touched it.”