The Texas Rangers are reportedly ready to move on from Derek Holland.
Jon Heyman of Today’s Knuckleball reports the Rangers are looking to clear Holland’s salary and have discussed a trade with multiple teams.
“According to a source close to the situation, starting pitcher Derek Holland may have played his last game as a member of the Texas Rangers. In advance of the Rangers owning an $11 million club option for the 2017 season and another $11.5 million club option for 2018, it appears as though Texas would be more than willing to trade Holland in order to avoid keeping him on the books going forward. Texas is already discussing a possible deal with multiple teams, according to a source.”
As Evan Grant of the Dallas News notes, the Rangers could buy-out Holland’s contract for $1.5 million, but are likely looking to clear the left-handers entire $11 million owed.
Source confirms @JonHeyman report that Rangers are proactively seeking trade partners for Holland. Reasons why: https://t.co/sLfKkgnomu
— Evan Grant (@Evan_P_Grant) November 1, 2016
Would any teams be willing to take on Holland as a reclamation project? It’s tough to say.
Holland put together back-to-back solid seasons in Texas in 2012 and 2013 winning 22 games over the two-year span, but since has struggled badly to stay healthy with multiple injuries. He’s made just 35 starts (38 appearances) over the last three seasons. In 2016, he went 7-9 in 20 starts with a 1.41 WHIP and a 4.95 ERA.
The Rangers might be best suited eating $1.5 million and buying Holland out. Considering his lengthy recent injury history, it would be a surprise to see teams line up to pay him double digit millions to make 15-20 starts. But, he could be had for just salary – so it’s a low-cost, high-reward gamble. What is certain, however, is Holland’s time in Texas is over.
