Why former Texas Rangers pitcher Derek Holland hasn’t ruled out a return to the mound

Derek Holland hasn’t pitched in the major leagues since 2021. Yet, the former Texas Rangers pitcher hasn’t ruled out returning to the mound.

“I’m not officially retired,” he said during the recent All-Star Week festivities. “I do have a new elbow, so I want to see what that’s like.”

Holland last pitched in the MLB in 2021 for the Detroit Tigers.

He spent time in the minor leagues, then signed with an independent team, the York Revolution, in 2023.

“I’ll probably do something like that again,” said Holland. “I had a lot of fun.”

Later that year, he underwent Tommy John surgery.

If he can’t get back on the mound, he also has hopes of finding a coaching job so he can share his experience and do what he can to shape the next generation of players.

“I’m going to try to help, motivate and inspire others to get to where they want to be,” he said. “Because the goal is the same for everyone–get to the big leagues.”

In the end, he is eyeing the broadcast booth as a way to interact with the fans he spent so much time around during his career with the Rangers. However, he’ll take a job wherever he gets the opportunity.

“If I’m commentating, I’m going to support whatever team it is and be very passionate,” he said. “It’d be nice to be [with Texas] because this fanbase is great, but I’m going to get into the games because that’s how I am.”

If all else fails, Holland has been hitting the golf course everyday, practicing to enter tournaments.