The clock continues to tick for Jake Arrieta, Yu Darvish, Eric Hosmer, J.D. Martinez and others, as Spring Training camps across baseball are due to open in less than one month. Pitchers and catchers in particular face pressure, as they report ahead of position players.
Additionally, pitchers, especially starters, rely on a methodical throwing program to build up and condition for the demands of a regular season. While several marquee players remain free agents, there’s no indication contract offers will suddenly begin pouring in.
Darvish is said to have drawn interest from the Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees Texas Rangers and others. The Yankees submitted a contract offer, but the 31-year-old said the reported seven years and $160 million was inaccurate.
The Dodgers, who were open at the offset of free agency with their interest in re-signing Darvish, reportedly met with him last week.
According to Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Darvish is waiting for further calls with the Rangers after discussions with other teams have increased:
A source said that there has been more activity between Darvish and his suitors, and the Darvish camp is awaiting the next round of calls from the Rangers.
Two club officials said that they expect one team will give Darvish more than the Rangers would, but they would be more active if he becomes open to signing for fewer years at a reasonable average annual salary.
Darvish went a combined 10-12 with a 3.86 ERA, 3.83 FIP and 1.16 WHIP in 31 starts last season. It was his first full year since undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2015.
The right-hander was acquired by the Dodgers with the purpose of him being the difference come the postseason. Darvish was stellar in the National League Division Series and Championship Series, allowing just two earned runs and recording 14 strikeouts over 11.1 innings pitched.
But he faltered in the World Series, failing to get out of the second inning in Games 3 and 7, and suffering the loss each time. While there’s been plenty of debate over how much blame Darvish should take, Justin Turner said the Dodgers as a whole were responsible for falling to the Houston Astros.
Additionally, Turner wholeheartedly endorsed the idea of the club re-signing Darvish.
