One of the biggest names on the market MLB market is the right-handed pitcher, Yu Darvish. He has been linked to a few teams this offseason, but it seems like three teams have the best chance at landing him. Darvish is 31 years old and coming off a season where he had a 3.86 ERA over 186.2 innings pitched with 209 strikeouts and 58 walks.
Here are the three likely teams that could sign Darvish.
MLB Fans - Download Chat Sports on Android today for breaking news, rumors, scores and more - Chat Sports Android App!
3.) Texas Rangers
The Rangers have been rumored to be very interested in bringing back Darvish this offseason, and he's also interested in a return. The Rangers are in need of pitchers, especially in their starting rotation. The only pitchers in the rotation that have actual major league experience are Doug Fister, Cole Hamels, and Martin Perez.
2.) New York Yankees
On Friday, Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports reported the New York Yankees are seriously considering signing Darvish. After acquiring Giancarlo Stanton, much of New York's offseason has revolved around signing or trading for a starting pitcher.
The Yankees are currently committed to seven players for an estimated total of $120 million, according to Cot's Baseball Contracts. Once the eight arbitration players and contract obligations of traded players are added, their projected payroll in 2018 will be near $170 million.
With the Competitive Balance Tax Base Tax Threshold set at $197 million for 2018, this means the Yankees can still give Darvish the kind of contract he is seeking.
1.) Chicago Cubs
Jake Arrieta is testing the waters of free agency, which leaves the Cubs looking for an ace in the rotation. As such, they have ramped up their pursuit of Darvish, who they believe can be a cheaper option.
Two weeks ago, Darvish confirmed on Twitter that he met with the Cubs. Since Darvish's tweet was in Japanese, Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times quote tweeted and explained Darvish's tweet.
Now that Darvish is an option, the Cubs are focusing their attention on him instead of Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Alex Cobb. Darvish will be more expensive than Cobb, but they believe his ability and potential is worth the extra expense.
Check out our MLB rumors page for all the latest MLB rumors or download the Chat Sports App!
Mitchell Renz is the Senior Writer & On-Air Host at Chat Sports. Check out his article archive and live videos on Chat Sports Facebook page. Please follow him on Twitter @MitchellRenz365.
Back to the MLB Newsfeed