Yu Darvish Signs With Cubs

The slowest off-season in recent memory finally has a big signing, as former Dodger Yu Darvish has signed with the Chicago Cubs. The signing was first reported by Ken Rosenthal.

Again: Darvish to #Cubs, six years, $126M, pending physical, sources tell The Athletic. Chance to get to $150M range through incentives.

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— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 10, 2018

The Cubs have longed been viewed as a top contender for Darvish. They even went as far as to sign his personal catcher from his time with the Rangers, Chris Gimenez. The Dodgers were also always viewed as a likely landing spot, but despite continued negotiations they fell short.

dodgers were said to have offered in the same ballpark as cubs, but he picked chicago #darvish

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 10, 2018

The Dodgers clearly wanted to bring Darvish back, but the two sides just couldn’t come together. With the top starter off the market, the Dodgers could shift their attention to Jake Arrieta, or pursue a trade for a starter such as Chris Archer. Starting pitching isn’t a huge need for the Dodgers, but they obviously would still like to add to what they have. With the luxury tax in their way, they’ll have to get creative if they want to make any big moves. This seems to be what prevented them from retaining Darvish.

dodgers were very interested. but their offers were contingent on being able to move salary. they made contingent offers.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 10, 2018

Analysis

The Dodgers will likely run into Darvish with Chicago, if not during the regular season then in the postseason. He improves an already solid Cubs team, which appears to be the Dodgers biggest threat in the National League yet again.