While the loss of C.J. Wilson, especially to division rival Anaheim, hurt, the Texas Rangers still have one of the best collection of young arms in baseball.
And with deep pocketed new owners committed to building a long-term power in Arlington, they are already working on locking down their young talent long-term.
First up is Derek Holland, who emerged as a legitimate starter last season, going 16-5 with a 3.95 ERA in 198 innings.
Evan_P_Grant Evan GrantSources: Rangers working on five year deal with Derek Holland.
A five-year deal would keep the left-handed pitcher, still only 24 years old, under team control through his three years of arbitration as well as his first season of free agency.
Holland narrowly missed the "Super Two" designation given to elite young players that allows them to be eligible for arbitration, so he will make between $400-$500,000 this year if he does not sign an extension.