Blue Jays sign veteran Derek Holland to minor league contract

Just a day after veteran outfielder Dexter Fowler asked for a release from a minor league contract with the Blue Jays, the club has signed another veteran in pitcher Derek Holland to a minor league contract.

The 35-year old broke the news through his Twitter account by showing his photoshop skills with a dog wearing a Blue Jays hat.  Holland confirmed through the Twitter thread that it was a minor league deal.

The 6’3″, 223 lb left-handed pitcher was originally drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 25th round of the 2006 MLB June Amateur Draft from Wallace State Community College (Alabama).  For reference this was the same draft the Blue jays selected Travis Snider in the first round.

Holland is best known for his eight year career with the Rangers where he posted a 62-50 record over 158 starts (179 games total).  Holland started Game 4 of the 2015 ALDS against the Blue Jays at which point the Rangers were leading the series 2-1 going into the game.  Holland would surrender home runs to Josh Donaldson, Chris Colabello and Kevin Pillar before being pulled in the third inning after a Jose Bautista double.  The Blue Jays would go on to tie the series and then have their memorable win in Game 5 of the series.

In another low-risk, medium-reward signing, the Blue Jays have signed veteran left-handed pitcher Derek Holland to a minor league contract.

After spending the first 10 years of his professional career (eight big league seasons) with the Texas Rangers, Holland signed on with the Chicago White Sox for the 2017 season.  Holland has bounced around the league ever since as primarily a bullpen arm.  Since departing Texas, and along with the White Sox, Holland has pitched for the Giants, Cubs, Pirates and Yankees.  During that time, the southpaw has posted a 20-33 record over 70 starts and 97 bullpen appearances which resulted in a 5.18 ERA and a 1.484 WHIP.

Holland started the 2022 season with the Worcester Red Sox at Triple-A, however, after a 6.35 ERA through 11.1 innings he was released by the Boston Red Sox this past Sunday.

This may be a last chance effort for Holland to keep his baseball career alive.  He will be joining a Bisons bullpen who have just two active left-handed pitchers in the bullpen (Brandon Eisert and Matt Gage).