Theo Epstein Makes It Clear Yu Darvish Was The Cubs No. 1 Target

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Yu Darvish was officially introduced as the newest member of the Chicago Cubs and Theo Epstein made it clear that Darvish was the team’s number one target this offseason.

Before the Darvish signing was reported on Saturday, Bob Nightengale wrote about the lack of contact the Cubs had with Jake Arrieta this offseason. Everyone saw the velocity dip in 2017 for Arrieta and how he simply wasn’t the same dominant pitcher as the previous two seasons. However, with most of the free agents not signing a week before the start of spring training, were the Cubs really not considering Arrieta at all?

Remember the Jon Heyman report from Sunday that said Epstein made a last-minute offer to Arrieta before signing Darvish? Almost everyone put no stock behind that report and during Tuesday’s press conference Epstein said what we all already believed.

Darvish was the guy since day one.

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Theo: Yu was our primary target. … He's probably the preeminent strikeout pitcher of our generation.

— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) February 13, 2018

#Cubs Theo: “Yu was our primary target. We think this is a great day in the Cubs organization to welcome a pitcher of his caliber. "

— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) February 13, 2018

Cubs president Theo Epstein discusses the many characteristics of Yu Darvish’s game that led to the six-year deal for the starter. @WGNNews pic.twitter.com/DlGsRid6Oe

— Larry Hawley (@HawleySports) February 13, 2018

We know the Cubs flew to Dallas in December to meet with Darvish face-to-face, but the talks between the two began at the GM meetings and continued throughout the winter.

Theo: met with agent Joel Wolfe at GM and winter meetings and felt time was right to pursue Darvish, who impressed Cubs group by speaking English the entire time during meeting in Dallas.

— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) February 13, 2018

As for that meeting Dallas, it appears to have been the turning point in Darvish’s mind, who said he fell in love with the Cubs at that time.

Darvish: “Obviously, every team is great, but the #Cubs really stood out. Everyone was sincere at the meeting. I fell in love with how great each person with the Cubs is, especially Mr. Epstein.”

— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) February 13, 2018

Darvish, through his translator, said he chose the Cubs because everyone at the meeting with him was sincere and he fell in love with the people, especially Mr. Epstein. @WGNNews

— Josh Frydman (@Josh_Frydman) February 13, 2018

It also helps that Darvish’s wife loves Chicago.

Darvish said his wife likes Cubs, city of Chicago

— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) February 13, 2018

And as far as the World Series performance goes, Epstein isn’t worried about it all.

Theo Epstein: "We know there's more to Yu Darvish than what happened in the World Series." #Cubs

— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) February 13, 2018

As a matter of fact, Epstein said that experience will only motivate Darvish more.

Quickly back to Arrieta. Despite not coming back to the Cubs, Epstein made it a point to praise 2015 Cy Young Award winner.

Theo: “I’ll have a lot of great things to say about Jake Arrieta once he signs.” Cubs don’t have World Series rings without him. “Tip your cap to Jake Arrieta and wish him well.”

— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) February 13, 2018

So, Darvish to the Cubs is official at six years for $126 million. You can see all the contract details here.

And finally a few other highlights from the press conference.

New #Cubs pitcher Yu Darvish on having catcher Chris Gimenez with him in Chicago, "I like Contreras better."

— Sean Sears (@seanrsears) February 13, 2018

Thanks YU @faridyu I’m really excited to start working with you 💪 we gonna have fun 🙌

— Willson Contreras (@WContreras40) February 13, 2018

Darvish told Dave Roberts he was signing with the Cubs and said to him "My main goal is to beat the Dodgers."

— Josh Frydman (@Josh_Frydman) February 13, 2018