When the Los Angeles Dodgers traded for starting pitcher Yu Darvish ahead of last season’s non-waiver trade deadline, it was believed that he would just be a rental that would be key in the team ending their World Series drought.
The Dodgers re-signing Darvish for big money seemed unlikely, as they refused to go beyond a set limit for Zack Greinke, another premiere right-handed starter above the age of 30. Heading into the offseason, Darvish projected to sign a similarly lucrative contract.
But a historically slow free agency period left open the possibility of the Dodgers potentially re-signing Darvish. He also drew reported interest from the Chicago Cubs, Minnesota Twins and Texas Rangers throughout the winter.
With pitchers and catchers due to report for Spring Training in the coming days, Darvish has agreed to a six-year contract with the Cubs in which he can earn up to $150 million, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic:
BREAKING: Yu Darvish to #Cubs, six year-deal in $150M range, sources tell The Athletic. Pending physical.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 10, 2018
Clarification: Darvish six-year guarantee with #Cubs is $126M with ability to get to $150M, according to sources.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 10, 2018
While Darvish was good for Los Angeles after being acquired, going 4-3 with a 3.44 ERA, 3.38 FIP and 1.15 WHIP in nine starts, and shining in the National League Division Series and Championship Series, he did not fare well in the World Series.
After going 2-0 in the playoffs, Darvish struggled mightily against the Houston Astros, giving up nine hits and eight earned runs in just 3.1 innings in his two World Series starts, one of which was the decisive Game 7 in which the Dodgers lost at Dodger Stadium.
Overall in 2017, Darvish went a combined 10-12 with a 3.86 ERA, 3.83 FIP and 1.16 WHIP, while striking out 209 and walking 58 in 186.2 innings of work. It was his worst statistical season since he came over from Japan in 2012.
Prior to inking Darvish, the Cubs previously took from the Dodgers pitching staff by signing reliever extraordinaire Brandon Morrow.
