Cubs Trade for Derek Holland

Overtime Heroics Editorial

2233 days ago

In a move that may not be that flashy, the Cubs have traded for veteran pitcher Derek Holland from the Giants for cash considerations. This move resembles the Carlos Gonzalez signing from earlier in the season, where the Cubs are trying to get veteran help for a very cheap price. The Gonzalez move did not work, we will see if they have more success with the Holland move. This move also allows the Cubs to add a long reliever to the pen, filling the void created by the Martin Maldonado/Mike Montgomery trade.

One of the biggest needs for the Cubs this trade deadline season was middle relief, specifically a left handed middle reliever. The only left-handed reliever in their bullpen is Kyle Ryan, who has been better in recent games. After having a 5.03 ERA on June 1, Ryan has decreased his ERA down to 3.38. Ryan hasn’t been scored upon in 18 of his last 20 appearances.

Holland has been dominant against left-handed batters this season. Left-handed hitters are hitting .182 against him this season, with a 24 percent strike out rate against Holland. In addition, no left-handed hitter as hit a home run against Holland this season. Meanwhile, right-handed hitters are hitting .293 against Holland and have hit 17 home runs against Holland.

We shall see if this is the first of several moves the Cubs make in the next few days, as they are in the thick of a brutal race for the NL Central division title with the Cardinals and Brewers.

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