Cubs acquire Derek Holland for cash

The Chicago Cubs announced a move on Friday to help bolster their left-handed pitching depth. The Cubs acquired veteran lefty Derek Holland and cash from the San Francisco Giants in exchange for cash. Essentially, the Cubs are agreeing to pay a portion of Holland’s remaining salary for 2019.

To make room for Holland, fellow lefty, Tim Collins, was designated for assignment for the second time. Collins was the guy that the Cubs were sending down to make room for Happ. If the Cubs were to lose Collins to waivers, then they would be short another lefty so Holland provides that lefty depth. Holland will not join the team today and it’s not immediately clear when he will join the big league club.

At 32, Holland has had an up and down career. He has been primarily a start, making 221 career starts over 11 big league seasons. This season, Holland is 2–4 with a 5.90 ERA in 68.2 innings pitch. He made seven starts before being moved to the bullpen. While those numbers don’t look good, Holland has a .182/.276/.195 slash line against lefties this season. He also has not allowed a home run to a lefty all year. Among NL pitchers, he has the 2nd lowest slugging, 3rd lowest OPS and 7th lowest batting average against lefties this season. You can expect his role to be that left-specialist that the Cubs have been looking for. I see this as more of a depth move and an upgrade from Tim Collins, who could be claimed by a team needing lefty bullpen help.

It’s a solid addition and provides some depth and veteran presence. Plus, Holland does have an option for next year, so if he pitches well, the Cubs could have him for one more season and all it will cost is $7 million.