Looking to improve the team to make a World Series run, the Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Texas Rangers starter Yu Darvish at the non-waiver trade deadline last season.
The deal looked to be a good one as Darvish was great for the Dodgers down the stretch of the season. He then was an instrumental part of getting them back to their first World Series since 1988, winning each of his starts in the National League Division and Championship Series.
Things went south in the World Series though, with Darvish not performing up to his standards. He was lit up by the Houston Astros in both outings, including a deciding Game 7.
While things didn’t end the way he wanted in Los Angeles, Darvish is still thankful for the short time he had there as he was contemplating retirement before the trade, via Dylan Hernandez of the L.A. Times:
“I had told my wife that I was thinking of retiring at the end of the year,” Darvish said. “I was thinking I didn’t want to do it anymore, but then I was traded to the Dodgers.”
Darvish emphasized that the Rangers organization was not at fault for that though, he had just lost his love for the game:
“It was my problem,” he said. “But my environment changed drastically and playing in that new environment changed something in my soul.”
Darvish signed a six-year contract with the Chicago Cubs this past offseason, and made his return to Dodger Stadium this past week, although did not pitch as he is on the disabled list.
Darvish also discussed how much respect he has for the Dodgers organization, which makes it difficult for him when he gets booed by their fanbase. Playing for the rival Cubs though, Darvish will certainly hear plenty of boos when he does take the mound against his former team.
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