:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4482129/20121005_pjc_sh5_473.0.jpg)
The Texas Rangers have received interest in Derek Holland from the Kansas City Royals, according to Jon Morosi of Fox Sports. Along with the Royals, the Milwaukee Brewers and Minnesota Twins have also contacted the Rangers for the services of the starting pitcher.
Texas, which is in pursuit of several players itself this offseason, could move Holland depending on what pitchers they can acquire in free agency or by trade.
The left-handed Holland has spent his first four season with the Rangers and is coming off his two best years. In 2011, Holland went an efficient 16-5 with a 3.95 ERA in 32 starts. This past season, he regressed somewhat, but still managed a 12-7 record with a 4.67 ERA.
The Royals are intent on improving their starting staff, which lacked a top-of-the-rotation guy last season. Of their three starters who logged at least 100 innings and 25 starts, none recorded an ERA better than 4.23.