You’re definitely on Yu Darvish Trade Watch at this point, as the Rangers are reportedly “more sold than ever” that they’re going to trade him.
But it won’t be in a deal to the Cubs.
Like we’ve said for a while now, paying quality prospects (from dwindling reserves) for a rental starter does not seem like the best bet for the Cubs right now.
And sure enough:
Was told Cubs aren't heavily involved on Yu Darvish. It's Dodgers, Yankees, and, according to @Sullivan_Ranger, a third club.
— Jeff Wilson (@JeffWilson_FWST) July 30, 2017
A third club, eh? Like a mystery team? Yup, a Mystery Team:
Dodgers and Yankees in on Darvish but there apparently is a third team interested that nobody was expecting. Not sure who it would be
— TR Sullivan (@Sullivan_Ranger) July 30, 2017
So, the Dodgers and Yankees have been long expected, and the other teams we’ve known previously to have interest or be attached include the Cubs and Astros. I strongly doubt the Mystery Team would be a team in the NL Central. Evan Grant speculates that it could be the Indians.
In terms of Cubs implications, then, you’re looking at (1) simply monitoring the overall rental market, because it could impact the way the Cardinals and Pirates decide to proceed with their tradable pieces; and (2) whether Darvish goes to an NL contender like the Dodgers or Nationals, improving their postseason performance.