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Free agent starter Derek Holland is drawing interest from Pittsburgh and Texas and wants to join a club that will guarantee him a rotation spot, his agent, Michael Martini, told 105.3 The Fan.
Texas declined Holland’s $11.5 million option for next season and as a result paid his $1.5 million buyout.
Holland, 30, struggled last season with the Rangers, pitching to a 4.95 ERA and 4.75 FIP over 107.1 innings. He similarly struggled in 2015 but pitched well in 2013, posting a 3.42 ERA and 3.44 FIP over 213.0 innings.
The Rangers lack rotation depth, with Yu Darvish, Martin Perez and Cole Hamels serving as the constants entering the offseason, but it still seems unlikely he returns to Texas. He was plagued by injuries in 2014 and 2015 and has watched his velocity decrease. Texas didn’t put Holland on its ALDS roster.
Pittsburgh could be an option for Holland, who isn’t in a position to receive an extensive deal. Still, given the starting pitching landscape, the Pirates might be willing to give him an opportunity.