Rangers decline option on Derek Holland, make him a free agent

The Texas Rangers declined their $11 million option on Derek Holland’s contract. They’ll pay him his $1.5 million buyout and he’ll immediately become a free agent.

Holland, 30, had a bad season, finishing the regular season with a 7-9 record, a 4.95 ERA and a 67/35 K/BB ratio over 107 1/3 innings. He missed about two months during the summer due to inflammation in his left shoulder. Holland then lost his spot in the starting rotation in late September and was not included on the Rangers’ ALDS roster against the Blue Jays.

The Rangers issued a statement:

“The Rangers appreciate the many contributions that Derek Holland has made to this franchise, both on the field and in the community. While today’s action doesn’t necessarily close the door on our future interest in Derek, we want to thank him for the impact he has made here.”

That means that, sure, the Rangers would take Holland back, but not at $11 million. One would suspect that Holland will test the market, of course, as it’s super thin, pitching wise.

In 179 career games for Texas, Holland is 62-50 with a 4.35 ERA.

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