Earlier today, Theo Epstein introduced the newest member of the Chicago Cubs, right-hander Yu Darvish, in Arizona, making the six-year/$126 million deal reported on Saturday officially official.
If you’d like, you can watch the entirety of the press conference right here (you’ll want to skip ahead to the ten-minute mark, which is when it really starts).
But if you don’t have the time to sit through the whole thing, fear not. I’ve collected some of the highlights for you below, and we can talk through them as we go. Ready?
#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
Theo: When we acquired Quintana we made the point that with the great contract he had, it might allow us to bring another pitcher w/him. We almost felt like we were acquiring 1 & half pitchers in that deal because it would go halfway to acquiring someone else–today is that day.
— Kelly Crull (@Kelly_Crull) February 13, 2018
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
"Winning a World Series is his top priority." – @Cubs President Theo Epstein introducing @faridyu.
More from Darvish's presser at https://t.co/eeMdxYAjLG pic.twitter.com/mxsCDcU21i
— Cubs Talk (@NBCSCubs) February 13, 2018
There Yu is! pic.twitter.com/GyErfnKRRA
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) February 13, 2018
Yu Darvish never looked better. pic.twitter.com/Fx6NsjnPrP
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) February 13, 2018
Darvish prioritized choosing "a team that has a great chance of winning a World Series. The Cubs have obviously more than a great chance"
— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubCub) February 13, 2018
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 thankful for time with Dodgers, told D. Roberts his main goal is to beat the Dodgers, also informed Kershaw of his signing and grateful for playing with him
— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) February 13, 2018
Outside of family, Clayton Kershaw was the first person Yu Darvish told that he would be signing with the #Cubs.
— Patrick Mooney (@PJ_Mooney) February 13, 2018
Darvish called Dave Roberts after signing with Cubs, said main goal is to beat the Dodgers.
— Evan Altman (@DEvanAltman) February 13, 2018
When asked about Chris Gimenez, Yu Darvish jokes: "I like Contreras better."
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) February 13, 2018
https://twitter.com/WContreras40/status/963502578066587648
Player Darvish is most looking forward to meet/talk to—Schwarber. Remembers the homer he hit off him in NLCS. Wants to know what workouts he’s putting in to hit a ball like that. #Cubs #SpringTraining
— Kelly Crull (@Kelly_Crull) February 13, 2018
BOOM! Kyle Schwarber Gives the Cubs the Lead With an Opposite Field Blast! https://t.co/ctMCWuc3jQ pic.twitter.com/7D7UV7YpbZ
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) October 18, 2017