MLB Free Agency: Which Team Is the Best Fit for Derek Holland?

Despite injuries and suspect performance in recent years, Derek Holland is attracting attention on the MLB free agency market. Which of the reportedly interested teams would be the best fit for the lefty?

With such a barren free agent market for starting pitchers, it’s hardly surprising that someone like Derek Holland is generating his fair share of interest. After all, the eight-year veteran has enjoyed some success in the past, and teams will point to that in hopes that they can again draw out his full potential. The fact that he’s a left-hander doesn’t hurt either.

Holland made his debut in 2009 with the Texas Rangers, but it wasn’t until two years later that he put together his first truly representative season at the big league level. He made 32 starts that year and racked up a more than respectable 16 wins. Though his 3.95 ERA and 1.35 WHIP weren’t exactly remarkable, he did lead the American League with four complete game shutouts.

He took a step backward in 2012 with a 4.67 ERA over 29 outings, but the following season was arguably his best in a major league uniform. Holland logged 213 innings in 33 starts, posting a 3.42 ERA and 1.29 WHIP. It seemed like the best was yet to come for the young southpaw.

Unfortunately, that’s when injuries became a serious issue. Holland made only 16 appearances between the 2014 and 2015 campaigns as he suffered through torn cartilage in his left knee and a strained left shoulder. He did manage to take the mound 22 times (20 starts) this year, but the results certainly weren’t inspiring. Holland put up a 4.95 ERA and 1.41 WHIP in 107.1 innings of work. His 5.6 K/9 was a career low.

Teams have never been afraid of taking on reclamation projects, however, and given the disparity between the supply and demand for starting pitchers this winter, Holland should do surprisingly well for himself. In fact, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Jeff Wilson reports that the San Diego Padres, New York Yankees and Pittsburgh Pirates have already expressed interest. Holland hasn’t ruled out a return to the Rangers either.

So how would Holland fit on each of these teams, and which would be the best match for the 30-year-old lefty? Let’s take a look.

Next: Padres