Rangers decline option on Derek Holland

The Rangers have officially declined their $11 million club option on lefty Derek Holland, reports MLB.com’s T.R. Sullivan. He will earn a $1 million buyout.

The Rangers’ decision comes on the heels of rumors that the club could look to trade him to a club that would pick up the option, though they were obviously unable to find any takers. This comes as no surprise to most fans given Holland’s previous flat season and lingering shoulder issues. Many were anticipating a trade for Holland, and Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports tweeting about multiple teams showing interest only bolstered that theory. For a team in search of a veteran for their rotation, $11 million was a decent bargain. However, with no one willing to bite, the Rangers have instead handed Holland his walking papers.

The lefty chalked up a 4.95 ERA, a 1.407 WHIP, and 67 strikeouts in 107.1 innings pitched for 2016, severely underwhelming compared to his stats from 2013.

Holland joins former Cub Jason Hammel as new additions to a weak crop of free-agent starters, and will look to continue his career elsewhere after spending his first eight seasons in Arlington.