ARLINGTON -- The Rangers are not planning to pick up pitcher Derek Holland's $11 million option, and a trade could be a possibility, Major League sources said Monday. Holland has been informed of the Rangers' intention not to pick up his option.
The Rangers have until five days after the World Series to decide to pick up Holland's option or pay a $1.5 million buyout. The Rangers are likely to use the saved money to allocate in other areas, although starting pitching remains a priority this offseason.
Holland, who helped the Rangers go to two World Series in 2010-11, was limited to 20 starts and two relief appearances this season because of a shoulder injury, and he finished 7-9 with a 4.95 ERA. It's the third straight season he has missed time because of injury, and he was not on the postseason roster.
The Rangers are looking at the possibility of trading Holland before it is time to make an official decision on his option. Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports reported that there are teams showing interest in Holland.
With Holland gone, the Rangers would be left with a rotation that includes left-handers Cole Hamels and Martin Pérez, and right-handers Yu Darvish and A.J. Griffin. Right-handers Nick Martínez and Chi Chi González are also still on the 40-man roster.
Colby Lewis, who made 19 starts for the Rangers this past season, is a free agent. Whether to re-sign him has been a major topic of internal discussions for the Rangers this month.