White Sox add rotation depth with signing of veteran left-handed pitcher. The 30-year-old pitcher will look to rebound career on the South Side.
The Chicago White Sox added to its starting rotation for next season with the signing of left-handed pitcher Derek Holland. Holland and the White Sox agreed to a one-year $6 million contract on Wednesday.
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Holland is coming off a season where he went 7-9 with a 4.95 ERA for the Texas Rangers in 20 starts. The 30-year-old southpaw is 62-50 with a 4.35 ERA in 158 career starts. He has only pitched for the Rangers after debuting during the 2009 season.
Although the White Sox won’t be contending next season, the signing of Holland provides the team with rotation depth after they traded Chris Sale to the Red Sox. The White Sox will be without Sale for the first time since he was drafted and debuted during the 2010 season.
Jose Quintana could fill the void as the White Sox ace next season if he isn’t traded. However, Holland could become the team’s third or fourth starter in 2017 depending on his performance in spring training.
Holland’s best season came in 2011 when he finished 16-5 with a 3.95 ERA to go along with four complete game shutouts. In 2013, Holland went 10-9 with 3.42 ERA and two complete game shutouts. White Sox general manager Rick Hahn praised the acquisition in a statement and mentioned Holland will provide the team with flexibility in its rotation.
"“Derek gives a veteran left-handed presence for our starting rotation with a proven track record of pitching well in big games. This move provides us with additional depth and flexibility in the rotation.” Rick Hahn"
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The White Sox should make more moves before the start of next season as they still have holes to fill in the outfield and at catcher. If Holland is able to have a solid first half in 2017, expect him to be in consideration for a trade to a contending team.