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The Cubs signed Yu Darvish to a six-year, $126 million contract after the 2017 season and through the first 1.5 seasons it looked like the deal would be a complete disaster. However, Darvish rebounded from his arm injury and slow start in 2019 and became one of the best pitchers during the second half of the season.
Now, with four years and $81 million left on Darvish’s contract, teams are calling the Cubs to kick the tires on a possible trade for the 33-year-old pitcher. Obviously teams are going to be calling. I bet the Cubs have been contacted about every single one of their good players since they made it pretty clear that they’re open to anything after missing the playoffs in 2019.
Here’s what Joel Sherman of the New York Post wrote on Thursday.
The Cubs also received inquiries on Yu Darvish, who has four years at $81 million remaining. Perhaps when the best of the remaining free-agent starters vanish, Chicago will hear steadier requests for the righty.
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However, just because the Cubs may be “open to anything” doesn’t mean they’re out there trying to trade away one of their two best starting pitchers.
Sure, teams can call all they want, but they’ll just be hearing crickets on the other end. First, the return won’t be much because although Darvish showed prolonged success in the final months of 2019, (last 24 starts really) he’s 33 and just one year removed from an elbow injury. Plus, his contract is a bargain compared to some other deals out there, but that’s still more than $20 million guaranteed for the next four years.
Oh and the Cubs continue to say that they’re still trying to compete in 2020. Can’t really do that by trading away Darvish when they already have a few question marks in the starting rotation. It’s not like the Cubs would receive a good arm that’s ready to be solid in the majors next season in a trade for Darvish.
The Kris Bryant and Willson Contreras rumors will continue and as much as the majority of the fan base hates it, one of those getting traded is more realistic than Darvish getting dealt.
Oh and Darvish has a no-trade clause too. He could have opted out after 2019, but he didn’t. Darvish made it clear that the Cubs are the perfect team for him right now.
Keep the good players and add more good players. Just some free advice if the Cubs want it.
