I guess Yu Darvish must have liked his time in San Diego. Clearly, the Cubs did him a service in trading him to the Padres …
I joke-ish, but Darvish is signing up to stay in San Diego a good while longer:
That’s a huge deal for Darvish, who will turn 37 this year. That means he’ll be 42 before this deal is over. Of course, Darvish is uniquely skilled and in fantastic shape, so I wouldn’t bet against him still being productive past 40. Clearly, the Padres – who have infinite money, good for them – believe he’ll at least be effective deep into his 30s.
Darvish had a 3.10 ERA and 3.31 FIP last season over 194.2 innings. He was due to be a free agent after this season.
I’m genuinely content that Darvish gets to stay somewhere that he’s clearly been productive and happy, but of course I feel mild pangs that we don’t get to watch him in a Cubs uniform anymore (and now there’s not even that slim chance of a reunion). He’s just so much fun.
Anyway. Good for Darvish. Good for the Padres.