When the Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Yu Darvish from the Texas Rangers at the non-waiver trade deadline this past season, they knew he would most likely be a rental to help them win their first World Series since 1988.
Like with Rich Hill when he was traded to the Dodgers in 2016, Darvish’s contract was expiring at the end of the season. The acquisition looked to be a sound one, as Darvish pitched well all the way up until the World Series.
The Houston Astros discovered that Darvish was tipping his pitches, and the result was two abysmal starts, including one in the decisive Game 7.
Despite the rough ending, the Dodgers have been in contact with Darvish about possibly re-signing him. Although, with their their latest efforts to get under the luxury tax threshold, it may be they will offer Darvish the contract he’s looking for.
Los Angeles has some serious competition in the Minnesota Twins, as they are not hiding their desire to sign the 31-year-old. It appears the Twins aren’t the only team showing interest in Darvish, as the Chicago Cubs may also be exploring the possibility, via Bruce Levine of CBS Chicago:
After signing four pitchers in the past nine days, the Cubs have eyes on landing a bigger catch: free-agent right-hander Yu Darvish. The Cubs are showing interest in Darvish, a source said.
The Cubs have already been active this winter in bolstering their pitching staff, as they signed former Dodgers reliever Brandon Morrow to a two-year deal in addition to inking reliever Steve Cishek, and starters Tyler Chatwood and Drew Smyly.
Chicago did have notable voids to fill, however, as Jake Arrieta and Wade Davis each remain free agents. Moreover, Hector Rondon recently signed with the Astros.
Darvish and Arrieta are the two biggest fish currently on the free agent pitching market and should command similar contracts that will likely be north of $100 million.
