The Chicago White Sox made hay during the Winter Meetings by trading away two of their veterans, Chris Sale and Adam Eaton, for a bevy of top prospects. As a result, their farm system went from being one of the worst in baseball to one of the best in a matter of days. However, they do still need players to take the field next season. With that in mind, the White Sox reversed course on Wednesday and signed veteran left-handed pitcher Derek Holland to a one-year, $6 million deal. Scott Merkin of MLB.com had the news first.
White Sox make it official: agree to terms with left-handed pitcher Derek Holland on a one-year, $6-million contract
— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) December 14, 2016
Chicago White Sox Sign Derek Holland
The 20-year-old Holland has been a starting pitcher in the major leagues since 2009, when he first came up with the Texas Rangers. Until now, he had called Arlington home for his entire career. While never spectacular, Holland had some solid seasons for the Rangers. In 2011, he won 16 games, which remains a career-high. His strongest statistical season came two years later, in 2013, when he pitched 213 innings across 33 starts, struck out 189 batters, and posted a 3.42 ERA. All of those marks represent personal bests for Holland over a single, full season.
However, the very next year, injuries limited Holland to just 37 innings, effectively preventing him from building on his good 2013 season. The following two campaigns did not go so well, either. He recorded 4.91 and 4.95 ERAs in 2015 and 2016, respectively, as health woes continued to plague him. A career 4.35 pitcher, Holland’s best days might officially be behind him.
Holland should still be a valuable veteran piece on a suddenly very young White Sox team. He can help bring along the bevy of young pitchers Chicago now has. He’s also known as one of the best clubhouse guys around. Given the issues the White Sox clubhouse experienced last season, that might be just what the doctor ordered.
To make room for Holland on the 40-man roster, Chicago designated left-handed pitcher Matt Purke for assignment.
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