The Cubs wrapped up the Winter Meetings Thursday by signing right-handed reliever Steve Cishek, after signing potential closer Brandon Morrow and back-end starter Tyler Chatwood earlier in the week.
However, despite the solid additions to the Cubs pitching, the team still seems one starter short of a full rotation. And while much has been made about Mike Montgomery’s yearning to start for the Cubs, it’s likely the Cubs plan on adding another starter – and it’s reported that they’re taking a look at Yu Darvish.
Something to keep your eye on . Cubs in on numerous pitchers and are kicking the tires on Yu Darvish now .
— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) December 16, 2017
Darvish, 31-years-old, has been in contact with the Cubs a few times during the Winter Meetings, according to a major league source. Sources have also said that teams are finding that Darvish’s initial asking price has come down some.
Originally, it was thought that Darvish would likely get paid more than any other pitcher has returning from Tommy John Surgery, projected at $160 mil by MLB Trade Rumors. But, it sounds like Darvish is willing to accept a lesser deal.
Hearing Darvish's asking price is more affordable than originally thought, projected to make $160 mil by MLB Trade Rumors, it could be closer to slightly over $100 mil – which makes him much more attractive #Cubs
— Sean Sears (@sean_sears6) December 16, 2017
It’s become clear that the Cubs are looking everywhere for pitching, including via trade, but adding a pitcher like Darvish at a price closer to $100 mil over likely four years might be more appealing than trading a player like Kyle Schwarber to Theo Epstein.
And while it would all but knock the Cubs off Wade Davis’ radar, it could allow them to hold onto depth pieces or move them to acquire a lead-off center fielder. Now, adding a player in that mold is much further down the list of needs for the Cubs, adding Darvish would allow the Cubs the opportunity to at least consider that option.
If reports are true, and Darvish is coming at a cheaper cost, while the Cubs maybe motivated to add the Japanese star, there will be plenty of suitors for a discounted Darvish.
