CHICAGO -- Derek Holland understands the pivot toward youth by the White Sox and thinks he can thrive in Chicago.

"I wasn't too concerned. The whole thing is a process,'' the 30-year-old left-hander said Wednesday, after agreeing to a $6 million, one-year contract. "Whoever is there, I know they're going to be playing to win.''

Chicago already has traded ace Chris Sale to the Boston Red Sox and outfielder Adam Eaton to the Washington Nationals. Other deals could be ahead.

While Holland plans to bring his boxer, Wrigley, to Chicago, he'll leave his five lizards and pet chinchilla at his home in Texas for now.

Derek Holland was 7-9 with a 4.95 ERA in 22 games last season for the Rangers while also spending time on the 60-day disabled list for a third consecutive season. Jim Cowsert/USA TODAY Sports

"You never know what's going to lie ahead," Holland said. "Who knows? I could go up there and have an unbelievable year and end up staying with Chicago."

Holland's deal includes $2 million in performance bonuses: $1 million each for 150 innings and 200 innings. He was 62-50 with a 4.35 ERA in eight seasons with the Rangers, who declined an $11 million option and chose to pay a $1.5 million buyout.

"It's just a crazy way that this is over," he said. "I can't believe it's done, but at the same time, it was a fun run with Texas. I got to make a lot of memories there. I had a great time."

Holland played on the Rangers' teams that were American League champions in 2010 and 2011, but he missed significant time the past three seasons because of injuries.

Holland, who had a $10 million salary this past season, missed two months because of inflammation in his left shoulder and finished 7-9 with a 4.95 ERA in 22 games. He won 16 games in 2011.

He said part of the attraction of joining the White Sox was to work with pitching coach Don Cooper, who along with manager Rick Renteria called Holland during the recruiting process.

Holland joins a projected rotation that for now includes Jose Quintana, Carlos Rodon, James Shields and Miguel Gonzalez.

"I wasn't too worried about where I was going to be slotted in the rotation," Holland said. "I'm definitely not an ace over here yet. I've got to earn everything."

Chicago designated left-hander Matt Purke for assignment to open a roster spot.