Add the Yankees to the list of teams inquiring about pitcher Derek Holland. Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that the Yanks, along with the Padres and Pirates, have shown some early interest in the 30-year-old southpaw.
Holland, who has spent his entire eight year career with the Texas Rangers, hit free agency after the team turned down their $11 million club option for 2017.
“It’s a new beginning, a fresh start,” said Holland. Use that as a new challenge. It’s all about having fun and representing a new team. We’ve got to keep our options open and see what happens.”
He made 22 appearances in 2016, pitching to a 7-9 record and 4.95 ERA while battling shoulder issues. Various injuries also limited him to just 16 games from 2014-2015. His best year came in 2011, when he went 16-5 with a 3.95 ERA in 32 games for the American League Champion Rangers.
Holland has stated that he wants to give the Rangers a shot at matching any potential offers he receives, but is also expecting to play elsewhere for the first time of his career.
