White Sox Rumors: Sox to sign LHP Derek Holland

Rumors have been circulating about the White Sox and Derek Holland for well over a week, but they’ve taken a more serious turn with a story of an impending signing by Scott Merkin this morning. Shortly after, a few of the details have come out on the deal.

Holland, 30, became a free agent this offseason after the Rangers decided to buyout his 2017 option for $1.5 million. Holland was due to earn $11 million in 2017 before the buyout. Holland had a couple decent seasons with the Rangers in 2011 and 2013. Since 2013, he’s battled injuries every season. From 2014-2016, he’s appeared in 38 games (36 starts) and threw 203 innings for an 4.30 ERA and 4.44 FIP.

Although his results haven’t been great, he does have a pitching repertoire ready-made for Don Cooper and the White Sox. His fastball still sits about 93 mph and regularly combines his four-seamer with a sinker. He rounds things out with a change, knuckle-curve, and slider. Combine a Coop’ll fix ‘em with a Herm’ll fix ‘em and we get a pitcher that’s looking to rebound while the Sox hope he can keep the plethora of new high level pitching prospects busy in Charlotte.

The White Sox 40-man roster is currently sitting at 40 so a signing will require an additional move to add him. We’ll keep you updated as this looks like it’ll wrap up today.

Update (1:55pm): It’s all official now. Holland is signed. As for the corresponding move...