Ex-Rangers LHP Derek Holland Agrees To One-Year Deal With White Sox

The Chicago White Sox and former Texas Rangers left-handed pitcher Derek Holland agreed to terms on a one-year, $6 million deal, the team announced on Wednesday.

Ex-Rangers LHP Derek Holland Agrees To One-Year Deal With White Sox

“I wasn’t too concerned. The whole thing is a process,” the 30-year-old said. “Whoever is there, I know they’re going to be playing to win.”

Holland went 7-9 with a 4.95 ERA over 107 1/3 innings in 22 games (20 starts) in 2016 with the Rangers, whom he joined in 2009. He was originally selected by the Rangers in the 25th round of the 2006 draft.

The lefty, who can earn an additional $2 million in performance bonuses ($1 million each for 150 innings and 200 innings) by reaching certain incentives, has missed significant time the past three seasons due to injuries.

He was placed on the disabled list on June 22 with left shoulder inflammation.

Holland became a free agent when the Rangers declined their $11 million option on his contract and instead chose to pay him a $1.5 million buyout.

While Holland plans to bring his boxer, Wrigley, to Chicago, he’ll leave his five lizards and pet chinchilla at his home in Texas for now.

“It’s just a crazy way that this is over,” he said. “I can’t believe it’s done, but at the same time, it was a fun run with Texas. I got to make a lot of memories there. I had a great time.”

The White Sox have already traded ace Chris Sale to the Boston Red Sox and outfielder Adam Eaton to the Washington Nationals.

Holland said part of the attraction of joining the White Sox was to work with pitching coach Don Cooper, who along with manager Rick Rentiera called Holland during the recruiting process.

The left-hander joins a projected rotation that for now includes Jose Quintana, Carlos Rodon, James Shields and Miguel Gonzalez.

Holland’s best season came in 2011 when he went 16-5 with a 3.95 ERA in 32 starts. He set career bests in 2013 with a 3.42 ERA, 33 starts, 213 innings pitched and 189 strikeouts.

“Derek gives a veteran, left-handed presence for our starting rotation with a proven track record of pitching well in big games,” White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said in a statement. “This move provides us with additional depth and flexibility in the rotation.”

Chicago has also designated lefty Matt Purke for assignment to open a roster spot.

Purke, 26, spent most of the 2016 season with Triple-A Charlotte, posting a 3.52 ERA over 38 1/3 innings in 26 appearances (one start). He also made his major league debut with the White Sox, going 0-1 with a 5.50 ERA over 18 innings in 12 relief appearances.

ARLINGTON, TX – OCTOBER 01: Derek Holland #45 of the Texas Rangers pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays in the top of the eighth inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington on October 1, 2016 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

Article by Pablo Mena