Having one of their best seasons ever, the Los Angeles Dodgers decided to go all-in at the trade deadline in 2017, acquiring starter Yu Darvish from the Texas Rangers.
Darvish was set to hit free agency at the end of the season, so the Dodgers knew that there was a chance he would just be a rental to help them win the World Series in 2017, something that didn’t end up happening as Darvish had two bad starts against the Houston Astros, including the Game 7 loss.
Since becoming a free agent, Darvish has expressed desire in returning to Los Angeles, although with their desire to stay under the luxury tax the Dodgers may not be willing to offer the 31-year-old the contract he will likely command.
It appears they are still showing interest though, along with five other teams, via Jim Bowden of The Athletic:
#Angels #Dodgers #Rangers #Astros #Cubs #Twins all showing interest in Yu Darvish according to club sources
— Jim Bowden🌟🎤 (@JimBowdenGM) December 20, 2017
Darvish and his representatives began meeting with teams this week, as he has already met with the Chicago Cubs and Astros in Texas. His former team, the Rangers, look to be next on the list:
Darvish next meeting is with #Rangers according to club source
— Jim Bowden🌟🎤 (@JimBowdenGM) December 20, 2017
Darvish had a lot of success in his five-year tenure with the Rangers, so it makes sense that they would want to bring him back. After signing with the Rangers out of Japan before the 2012 season, Darvish was named to four All-Star teams and finished second in the American League Cy Young voting in 2013.
Overall in 2017, Darvish went 10-12 with a 3.86 ERA, 3.83 FIP and 1.17 WHIP in 31 starts between the Rangers and Dodgers. He struck out 209 and walked 58 in 186.2 innings in what was his first full season returning from Tommy John surgery.
With at least five other teams in the mix, the Dodgers likely won’t get in a bidding war for Darvish, who is expected the sign the most lucrative free agent contract on the starting pitching market this winter.
