A rumored Pittsburgh Pirates SP target in LHP Derek Holland is off the board. The former Texas Ranger signed a one-year deal with the White Sox today.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have shown some level of interest in left-handed pitcher Derek Holland, formerly of the Texas Rangers. Despite meeting several times during the MLB Winter Meetings sessions, the two were unable to come to an agreement, and Holland today signed with the Chicago White Sox.
The #WhiteSox sign Derek Holland to 1-year, $6 million contract with $1 million in performance bonuses. @scottmerkin 1st to say sides close
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 14, 2016
Holland has battled through injury and inconsistency since his watershed 2011 season. Still, he is a left-handed pitcher who has a bit of upside attached, and as such it should not be surprising that he was able to command this type of salary despite his struggles. After dealing Chris Sale, and possibly dealing Jose Quintana, the White Sox had a clear need for a left-handed starter.
From the Pittsburgh Pirates perspective, this move could inform on the rest of their offseason, but not in a vacuum. The team may have a more substantial arm in mind – such as Ivan Nova – or were simply scared off by Holland’s medicals and performance history.
UPDATE: Sources tell Pirates Breakdown that the Pirates made formal offer to Holland during negotiations. Though no financial terms were disclosed, the offer was said to be “competitive.”
One thing is certain. With targets such as Holland falling off the board, Neal Huntington may need to accelerate his timetable if he is to adequately address his team’s most pronounced deficiency.
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