The Pirates, on the cusp of heading to spring training, continued to add pitching Thursday, signing left-handed pitcher Derek Holland.
The signing was first reporter by 105.3 The Fan's Troy Hughes.
THIS JUST IN — Former Cubs pitcher and Rangers fan favorite Derek Holland has signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates
Congrats @Dutch_Oven45 ... Can’t wait to see those Batman cleats!! pic.twitter.com/wYNxLqeF6v
— T̷R̷O̷Y̷ ̷H̷U̷G̷H̷E̷S̷ (@TommySledge) January 31, 2020
A source later confirmed the signing to DKPittsburghSports.com, adding it is a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training.
Holland, 33, was selected by the Rangers in the 25th round of the 2006 MLB Draft and has also played for the White Sox, Giants and Cubs.
In 2019 with the Giants and Cubs, he posted a 6.08 ERA and 1.51 WHIP and -1.2 WAR in 84.1 innings pitched, working as both a starter and a reliever.
While those numbers don't inspire much confidence, Holland's past does feature some solid highlights. Most recently, Holland struck out 169 batters and posted a 3.57 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 2.1 WAR in 2018 with the Giants, suggesting there may be something left in the tank as he reportedly makes his way to the Steel City.
Holland mainly relies on a sinker and slider, mixing in a curveball and changeup occasionally. His fastball sits in the low-to-mid 90s, and his slider had a 41.6% whiff rate last season.
If Holland is being considered as a starter, he will be competing against Steven Brault and Chad Kuhl for the fifth spot in the rotation. If he is being considered as a reliever, his left-handed competition is Sam Howard and the recently signed Robbie Erlin, who is not on the 40 man roster.
At the moment, the Pirates have one spot open on their roster.
For his part, Holland posted the following tweets to share the good news:
— Derek Holland (@Dutch_Oven45) January 31, 2020
#NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/cXGFE98jDP
— Derek Holland (@Dutch_Oven45) January 31, 2020