Headlines

  • Red Sox Likely To Activate Alex Bregman Tomorrow
  • Astros To Promote Brice Matthews
  • Phillies Reportedly Targeting Controllable Relievers
  • Yankees Prioritizing Pitching, Also Searching For Infield Help
  • Orioles Trade Bryan Baker To Rays
  • Yankees Release DJ LeMahieu
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

Remove Ads
  • Home
  • Teams
    • AL East
      • Baltimore Orioles
      • Boston Red Sox
      • New York Yankees
      • Tampa Bay Rays
      • Toronto Blue Jays
    • AL Central
      • Chicago White Sox
      • Cleveland Guardians
      • Detroit Tigers
      • Kansas City Royals
      • Minnesota Twins
    • AL West
      • Houston Astros
      • Los Angeles Angels
      • Oakland Athletics
      • Seattle Mariners
      • Texas Rangers
    • NL East
      • Atlanta Braves
      • Miami Marlins
      • New York Mets
      • Philadelphia Phillies
      • Washington Nationals
    • NL Central
      • Chicago Cubs
      • Cincinnati Reds
      • Milwaukee Brewers
      • Pittsburgh Pirates
      • St. Louis Cardinals
    • NL West
      • Arizona Diamondbacks
      • Colorado Rockies
      • Los Angeles Dodgers
      • San Diego Padres
      • San Francisco Giants
  • About
    • MLB Trade Rumors
    • Tim Dierkes
    • Writing team
    • Advertise
    • Archives
  • Contact
  • Tools
    • 2025 Trade Deadline Outlook Series
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Agency Database
  • NBA/NFL/NHL
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • App
  • Chats
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

White Sox Sign Derek Holland

By Jeff Todd | December 14, 2016 at 3:00pm CDT

The White Sox have officially agreed to a one-year deal with free-agent starter Derek Holland that pays him a reported $6MM. The 30-year-old southpaw, a client of Martini Sports Management, can also earn $2MM in incentives, $1MM apiece upon reaching 150 and 200 innings pitched.

"June

Holland hit the open market when the Rangers declined an $11MM club option, preferring instead to pay a $1.5MM buyout when trade talks did not result in a taker. Now, he’ll head to Chicago to function as a near-term rotation piece to step into the opening created when the team dealt ace Chris Sale to the Red Sox.

Certainly, Holland won’t be expected to produce anything like the output of Sale, one of the game’s best starters, but he offers a bit of upside in his own right. He’ll ultimately land the exact guarantee predicted by MLBTR’s Tim Dierkes, who listed Holland 50th in his pre-offseason ranking of free agents in terms of earning power.

It has been a tough and injury-riddled three-year run for Holland, who has managed to provide only 203 innings since the start of 2014. He hasn’t exactly been dominant when healthy, either, posting a 4.30 ERA with 5.9 K/9 against 2.5 BB/9 in that span.

That was certainly not what he or the Rangers hoped for when the sides came together on a five-year, $28.5MM deal in the spring of 2012. After a tough first campaign under the new pact, Holland came through in 2013 with a 213-inning, 3.42 ERA gem of a year in which he compiled 8.0 strikeouts against 2.7 free passes per nine innings pitched.

Things began to turn south in the following season, however, as knee and shoulder issues intervened. While Chicago can certainly hope for a bounceback, it will most likely be expecting some solid frames from the veteran hurler. In 2016, he sat nearly three full ticks below his peak average velocity (93.4 mph, in 2013), with a 7.8% swinging-strike rate that fell well below the ~10% mark he carried when at his best.

Given the limited commitment, and Holland’s positive clubhouse reputation, it seems to be a sensible acquisition for a White Sox organization that is hoping to remain somewhat competitive even as it deals away some of its best assets for upper-level prospects. If Holland can stay healthy and restore some of his prior luster on the hill, it’s conceivable that he could turn into a deadline trade piece or even a qualifying-offer candidate next fall.

MLB.com’s Scott Merkin reported that the deal was nearing finalization. MLB.com’s TR Sullivan reported that the deal was done (via Twitter). Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News had the terms (links via Twitter), with Jon Heyman of Fan Rag adding the incentives breakdown on Twitter. 

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Share 0 Retweet 11 Send via email0

Chicago White Sox Newsstand Transactions Derek Holland

White Sox Designate Matt Purke
Main
Diamondbacks Sign Jeff Mathis
View Comments (58)
Post a Comment

58 Comments

  1. comebacktrail28

    9 years ago

    Should of just Resigned Danks

    Reply
    • Aaron Sapoznik

      9 years ago

      That ship has “Sale’d”. Derek Holland was the better option of the two to fill “Condors” spot in the rotation. At least he doesn’t bring any “bad” will with White Sox fans.

      Reply
    • halos101

      9 years ago

      no, holland actually has value at the trade deadline if he can pitch like he used too

      Reply
  2. metseventually 2

    9 years ago

    Anyone else say “DAMMIT!”-

    Then realize it’s Derek, not Greg…

    Reply
    • 66TheNumberOfTheBest

      9 years ago

      No, I said “Thank you, Rick Hahn.”

      The Pirates had been heavily linked to Derek Holland and I wanted no part of him or his 90 mph fastball.

      Reply
      • tsolid 2

        9 years ago

        Yea, 90mph fast ball for Lefty is sooo terrible. ANY other argument but that one.

        Reply
        • 66TheNumberOfTheBest

          9 years ago

          “He hasn’t exactly been dominant when healthy, either, posting a 4.30 ERA with 5.9 K/9 against 2.5 BB/9 in that span.”

          The part where he and his 90 mph aren’t very good and don’t produce good results?

          The Pirates best reclamation projects have velocity and induce ground balls.

          He would have wasted a spot in the rotation. I”d much rather use a Stephen Brault or Trevor Williams if Derek Holland is the best they can find on the open market.

          Reply
        • Bennie

          9 years ago

          He hit 95 towards the end of the year..

          Reply
        • tsolid 2

          9 years ago

          AGAIN…. 90mph for Lefty is NOT bad. That was your initial/only argument in your FIRST post. Thanks for the clarification

          Reply
      • WhiteSox4ever

        9 years ago

        Are you freakin serious. los

        Reply
        • Monkey’s Uncle

          9 years ago

          Softer-tossing lefties do not do well in PNC Park with that shorter right field wall. See also: Jonathan Sanchez, Wandy Rodriguez once he had arm trouble, etc. I agree as a fellow Bucs fan: even if Holland got his velocity back up, he was a poor fit for Pittsburgh. If he does well for the Sox more power to him, nothing against the guy at all.

          Reply
        • Monkey’s Uncle

          9 years ago

          * softer-tossing HOMER PRONE lefties, my bad on the omission

          Reply
        • SuperSinker

          9 years ago

          Holland averaged 91.7 mph on his fastball in 2016, and peaked at 95mph. He’s thrown as hard as 97.5mph in his career. He isn’t Jeff Locke or Tommy Milone.

          Reply
    • SFgiantsUK

      9 years ago

      Yep

      Reply
    • Priggs89

      9 years ago

      As a White Sox fan, I can tell you that’s exactly how I read it lol. Would make a much better flip candidate.

      Reply
  3. Boomer14

    9 years ago

    It’s a wash season anyhow. Hope he can stay healthy to eat up some innings. If not then no big deal he will be gone next year.

    Reply
  4. Rbase

    9 years ago

    That’s a solid signing by Rick Hahn. Holland is finally healthy after 3 injury-plagued years and I expect him to be at least a solid no. 3 type starter. If he over-performs, there are always GM’s willing to give you a top prospect based on half a season of good results (e.g. Pomeranz for Espinoza last year).

    Reply
    • justinept

      9 years ago

      Pomeranz is a cost controlled starter who wAs having great results. It’s a bit different even if Holland does overperform simply based on the number of years on the deal – 1.

      Not that rebuilding teams shouldn’t sign potential bounce back candidates with the hope of flipping them, but the hopeful return needs to be realistic! If holland bounces back, the Sox could probably get a busted prospect in return. It sounds small, but that’s what Arrieta was before the Cubs flipped Feldman for him.

      Reply
  5. altuve2017mvp

    9 years ago

    Looks like he has a new team to get hurt on

    Reply
    • tsolid 2

      9 years ago

      Still Butthurt his Rangers STOMPED your Astros for 2yrs?? Might want to worry about that mental hump of beating the Rangers

      Reply
      • altuve2017mvp

        9 years ago

        Is that all u guys can hang on to this coming year? Lol

        Reply
        • GeauxRangers

          9 years ago

          Yes

          Reply
        • tsolid 2

          9 years ago

          Stros Fans ALWAYS popping off about the BULLY they can’t beat. At least the Cougs can stand up for themselves in TX.

          Reply
      • SuperSinker

        9 years ago

        Remember there’s always a bigger fish in the sea. The Blue Jays have walked all over the Rangers the last two years.

        Reply
  6. Aaron Sapoznik

    9 years ago

    Derek Holland will be a typical “flip” candidate for a rebuilding White Sox club that also had a spot open in their rotation to begin the season. Recent trade acquisitions like Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez will be given shots to make the White Sox staff this spring but service time issues and added seasoning at AAA make their promotions more likely in mid-summer.

    Reply
  7. SupremeZeus

    9 years ago

    Keep him healthy, rehabilitate his value and flip him at the deadline seems to be the plan. I expect him to either continue to have injury problems or pitch poorly. The plan is solid but I don’t think he will have the requisite value to be flipped at the deadline. Either way, it appears win/win for the White Sox. You either flip him for a prospect or he contributes to your march toward the worst record in baseball and the top pick. Even after the recent trades and the prospective future trades, the White Sox still need at least a few years of top 1-3 draft picks (picking position players) to fulfill this tear down and rebuild plan.

    Reply
  8. chive

    9 years ago

    Damn, I was hoping the Indians would sign him and trade Tomlin.

    Reply
  9. Aaron Sapoznik

    9 years ago

    Agreed. Another factor is the White Sox have an ace trainer in Herm Schneider, as well as a team of top notch orthopedic doctors on staff from Rush. The White Sox have a positive history of keeping players off the disabled list in comparison to most MLB teams and this might have also influenced Holland’s decision to join the organization.

    Reply
  10. moviemang80

    9 years ago

    Guessing 6mil was too steep for the Bucs. Maybe they’re still in on Tyson Ross or Nova. – idk. But they need an arm and bounce back options are fading fast.
    I think if Holland had a 1 yr offer from the Bucs and it was anywhere close to that, he picked the wrong club to rebuild his value. I think he would’ve had an easier path at PNC and the NL but I suppose time will tell.

    Reply
  11. Joe Kerr

    9 years ago

    This smells like trade bait for July assuming he doesn’t pitch like Danks did last year.

    Reply
  12. Aaron Sapoznik

    9 years ago

    Perhaps this coming season’s Rich Hill?

    Reply
    • GeauxRangers

      9 years ago

      No

      Reply
  13. A'sfaninUK

    9 years ago

    Would have thought he’d gone to a pitcher-friendly park to pad his numbers, hmm, this is a weird one.

    Reply
    • SuperSinker

      9 years ago

      $6,000,000 and a defined role as a starter is enough reasons for this guy.

      Reply
  14. madmanTX

    9 years ago

    Just keep Holland’s dog away from him: he’ll be especially dangerous in Chicago because of his name.

    Reply
    • CursedRangers

      9 years ago

      Ha! No doubt – that damn dog destroyed his career.

      Reply
  15. thebare

    9 years ago

    Sox sound like Theo and the boys LLC tbe north

    Reply
  16. Bransonreynolds

    9 years ago

    Good Deal if he stays healthy. low risk move. Good flip candidate. OR they can be like the Royals and get a bounce back pitcher for low cost, let him perform okay, don’t flip him and then then sign him for more money/years. A la Bruce Chen, Chris Young, Jeremy Guthrie and pay them millions not to pitch by the end.

    Reply
  17. falconsball1993

    9 years ago

    Just a roster filling move. Rather have him start then to start a minor leaguers service clock. At 6mil for one year, no harm no foul

    Reply
  18. socalblake

    9 years ago

    Is this the same Holland that has an impressive Haray Caray impersonation?

    Reply
  19. socalblake

    9 years ago

    Is this the same Holland that has an impressive Harry Caray impersonation?

    Reply
    • CursedRangers

      9 years ago

      Yes, and as soon as the Rangers told him to grow up he wasn’t the same. He’s a goof ball. As mentioned in a previous post, his dog has caused injuries that played a role in his downfall as well. He always looks like an ace for 3-4 games and then the wheels will fall off for a month or two. Never made sense how up and down he was.

      Reply
      • madmanTX

        9 years ago

        Bad dog, Wrigley! Bad dog!

        Reply
  20. kenthehawk

    9 years ago

    Seems like there are easier ways to eat innings. Unless they can flip him, seems like 4 million too much for a guy who can make a few starts before the kids come up from AAA

    Reply
    • falconsball1993

      9 years ago

      How much easier than signing a cheap one year deal can it get?

      Reply
    • SuperSinker

      9 years ago

      You could always sign bottom barrel pitchers to eat up innings (Jered Weaver etc.) but Holland still has legitimate upside as a mid-rotation performer. If the cost of competing every 5th day is $4,000,000, that’s not an entirely bad investment.

      Reply
  21. JFactor

    9 years ago

    Cause you can never have too many lefties

    Reply
    • guardianangel

      9 years ago

      Especially lefties that blame blowing out their knee playing rec hockey in Frisco on their dog. Worst kept secret in North Texas. Hope he doesn’t get busted for his huge pot habit.

      His velocity is gone. He pitched off of his fastball. If you think you are flipping him for a prospect Sox fans you are due for some disappointment after looting the Nats and Boston. At least he will entertain you with bad impressions when he is stoned as hell.

      Reply
      • SuperSinker

        9 years ago

        I take it you aren’t from Washington/Colorado..

        Reply
    • guardianangel

      9 years ago

      specially lefties that blame blowing out their knee playing rec hockey in Frisco on their dog. Worst kept secret in North Texas. Hope he doesn’t get busted for his huge pot habit.

      His velocity is gone. He pitched off of his fastball. If you think you are flipping him for a prospect Sox fans you are due for some disappointment after looting the Nats and Boston. At least he will entertain you with bad impressions when he is stoned as hell.

      Reply
  22. Dookie Howser, MD

    9 years ago

    Stop sucking up to the boss, Jeff Todd!

    Reply
  23. Yamsi12

    9 years ago

    But will he treat the southsiders to his whiskey tango stache is the question.

    Reply
  24. greatgame 2

    9 years ago

    Waste of $6 mil

    Reply
  25. Lance

    9 years ago

    the comparisons to Danks are valid. both promising LHP signed by texas who had great stuff but injuries dragged both down. too bad. I really liked the Dutch Oven.

    Reply
  26. sckoul

    9 years ago

    I don’t mind the pick up as it’s only a stop gap to get to fulmer. Worst case we release by June. Best case, he has a Happ type season and becomes valuable at trade deadline. Either way we don’t have much to lose.

    Reply
  27. jh8913

    9 years ago

    Great signing

    Reply
  28. HarveyD82

    9 years ago

    6 million isn’t alot in today’s market. that’s a bargain. I don’t know how much the pirates may have offered, but 6 mill—that’s a nice price. either he didn’t want to sign with the bucs or nutting offered less. Good for the rangers.

    Reply
    • O Conchobhair

      9 years ago

      HarveyD, why good for the Rangers?

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.

Log in Register

    Top Stories

    Red Sox Likely To Activate Alex Bregman Tomorrow

    Astros To Promote Brice Matthews

    Phillies Reportedly Targeting Controllable Relievers

    Yankees Prioritizing Pitching, Also Searching For Infield Help

    Orioles Trade Bryan Baker To Rays

    Yankees Release DJ LeMahieu

    Trevor Williams To Undergo UCL Surgery

    Nationals Fire PBO Mike Rizzo, Manager Dave Martinez

    Brewers Activate Brandon Woodruff

    Clarke Schmidt Expected To Undergo Tommy John Surgery

    Bobby Jenks Passes Away

    Braves Release Alex Verdugo

    Top 40 Trade Candidates For The 2025 Deadline

    Rays Reinstate Ha-Seong Kim

    Yankees Have Shown Interest In Ryan McMahon

    Royals Interested In Bryan Reynolds

    Rangers Option Josh Jung

    Kevin Pillar Announces Retirement

    Braves Place Spencer Schwellenbach On IL With Elbow Fracture

    Giants Exercise 2026 Option On Manager Bob Melvin

    Recent

    Trade Deadline Outlook: New York Yankees

    Trade Deadline Outlook: Atlanta Braves

    Which Other Relievers Might The Orioles Shop?

    Lee Elia Passes Away

    Red Sox Likely To Activate Alex Bregman Tomorrow

    Poll: Which Teams Should Make The Biggest Push For Jarren Duran?

    MLB Finalizes Home Run Derby Field

    Astros To Promote Brice Matthews

    Giants Outright Sergio Alcántara

    Joe Coleman Passes Away

    MLBTR Newsletter - Hot stove highlights in your inbox, five days a week

    Latest Rumors & News

    Latest Rumors & News

    • Sandy Alcantara Rumors
    • Luis Robert Rumors
    • Alex Bregman Rumors

     

    Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android App Store Google Play

    MLBTR Features

    MLBTR Features

    • Remove Ads, Support Our Writers
    • Front Office Originals
    • Front Office Fantasy Baseball
    • MLBTR Podcast
    • Trade Deadline Outlook Series
    • 2025-26 MLB Free Agent List
    • Contract Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • MLBTR On Twitter
    • MLBTR On Facebook
    • Team Facebook Pages
    • How To Set Up Notifications For Breaking News
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors

    Rumors By Team

    • Angels Rumors
    • Astros Rumors
    • Athletics Rumors
    • Blue Jays Rumors
    • Braves Rumors
    • Brewers Rumors
    • Cardinals Rumors
    • Cubs Rumors
    • Diamondbacks Rumors
    • Dodgers Rumors
    • Giants Rumors
    • Guardians Rumors
    • Mariners Rumors
    • Marlins Rumors
    • Mets Rumors
    • Nationals Rumors
    • Orioles Rumors
    • Padres Rumors
    • Phillies Rumors
    • Pirates Rumors
    • Rangers Rumors
    • Rays Rumors
    • Red Sox Rumors
    • Reds Rumors
    • Rockies Rumors
    • Royals Rumors
    • Tigers Rumors
    • Twins Rumors
    • White Sox Rumors
    • Yankees Rumors

    Navigation

    • Sitemap
    • Archives
    • RSS/Twitter Feeds By Team

    MLBTR INFO

    • Advertise
    • About
    • Commenting Policy
    • Privacy Policy

    Connect

    • Contact Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • RSS Feed

    MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

    Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information

    hide arrows scroll to top

    Register

    Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version