Yu Darvish Presser Bits: Picking the Cubs, His Time in L.A., Meeting Kyle Schwarber, Loving Willson Contreras

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?

First thing’s first, Theo Epstein made it clear that Yu Darvish was the Cubs primary target of the offseason:

#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

He later admitted that while Darvish wasn’t necessarily the plan from Day 1, that’s not because they didn’t want him (they did). They just weren’t sure they were going to be able to get him on the sort of deal that would allow them to remain under the luxury tax threshold this season, and, given their plans in the future, that was a priority. As we’ll explore soon, the $21M in average annual value on Darvish’s contract should keep the Cubs comfortably under the luxury tax threshold in 2018.

Epstein also explained that the cost-control years of Jose Quintana played a role in the idea that they could go after another high-priced pitcher:

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

In a way, this makes parting with a prospect like Eloy Jimenez even more digestible, because it led to not one, but two quality starting pitchers on the North Side for the foreseeable future. And in any case, it sounds like the “plan” officially changed around the Winter Meetings:

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

Back to the presser … This video from NBC Sports Chicago also collected some of Epstein’s thoughts, including his love for Darvish’s skillset:

"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

As Brett pointed out, Epstein seemed throughly (and rightfully!) pleased with the move:

There Yu is! pic.twitter.com/GyErfnKRRA

— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) February 13, 2018

And here’s the moment he finally put the jersey on:

Yu Darvish never looked better. pic.twitter.com/Fx6NsjnPrP

— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) February 13, 2018

As for why Darvish chose the Cubs, Gordon Wittenmyer and Carrie Muskat have us covered:

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 was referring to the meeting back in December, when Epstein and Jed Hoyer traveled to Dallas to meet with Darvish. Epstein added that Darvish’s maturity, understanding of the game, and development as a pitcher stuck out in the lengthy conversation (which they had in English).

Darvish was asked about the contract details – particularly the opt-out clause after just two years – but responded that it wasn’t appropriate to talk about it and that he’s happy to be in Chicago and with the Cubs. Frankly, there’s not much more you can expect him to say. Obviously, he’s hoping he can pitch well enough to opt-out and earn more money – the Cubs are hoping he pitches that well too! – but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t want to be in Chicago.

With that said, Darvish also shared some thoughts on his short time with the Dodgers, which he clearly treasured:

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

Given the way he spoke of the Dodgers, well, let’s just say the Cubs are probably lucky they couldn’t figure out a way to move Matt Kemp’s salary in time.

Without a doubt, the highlight of the press conference was when Darvish was asked if the Cubs signing Chris Gimenez, his friend and former catcher in Texas, had anything to do with picking the Cubs …

When asked about Chris Gimenez, Yu Darvish jokes: "I like Contreras better."

— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) February 13, 2018

Willson Contreras clearly caught word of the compliment, and responded:

https://twitter.com/WContreras40/status/963502578066587648

And, finally, when pressed on what really brought him to the Cubs, Darvish pointed to the group of young talented players already on the roster. And when he was asked whom he looked forward to meeting/playing with in particular, he responded not with Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, or Jon Lester, but Kyle Schwarber … and for good reason:

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

In case you forgot what that homer looked like …

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