Chicago Cubs: Rumors swirl linking Rangers’ Yu Darvish to Cubs

With the trade deadline inching ever closer, rumors linking teams to players swirl. According to reports, the Chicago Cubs have interest in starter Yu Darvish.

This is a difficult time of year for baseball. For the players and the fans. We sit back and watch our teams succeed or fail, leading to tough decisions. Are they turning into buyers or sellers at the trade deadline? It is obvious to Chicago Cubs’ fans that they are buyers. The move to obtain a controllable arm in Jose Quintana proved as much.

Now, according to MLB.com’s Jon Paul Morosi, the Cubs are showing interest in Texas Rangers’ ace Yu Darvish. At almost 31 years old (will be next month), Darvish would provide another top-level arm to an already potent rotation. Even if they have not pitched that way all season.

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Currently, Darvish holds a season record of 6-8 in 20 starts. Through 125 1/3 innings, the right-handed pitcher notched 131 strikeouts and 42 walks. Opponents are hitting for an average of .220 against him. And, his 14 quality starts shows that he can go deeper into games consistently.

Yet….

What do the Chicago Cubs give up in the trade? The Rangers have offense. Even though they are 18 games out in the AL West, with a record of 45 – 50, they have a positive run differential. They have scored the third most runs of all teams in the American League.

But, they also have aging players. Adrian Beltre, Mike Napoli, Shin-Soo Choo are all 35 years of age or older. And, coming into the season, the Rangers’ farm system ranked in the bottom-third to many reports.

The first player to be desired by the Rangers would be either Ian Happ or Jeimer Candelario. The depth of the team in the infield would be a great addition to the team. Through in a pitching prospect, such as Jose Albertos, and you may have a trade.

However, the Cubs do not need another starting pitcher, unless they go to a six-man rotation all season. And, should they make the playoffs, what three or four pitchers do they set for the rotation? Does Darvish get selected over Kyle Hendricks or John Lackey?

The other caveat in this rumor is that Darvish is a rental, and the Cubs would likely not make a play for his services after the season. With his success over his career, Darvish could garner a $175 million contract this winter. That may well be outside the team’s budget, especially if they keep Arrieta.

Next: Where are they now? Vol. 2

But, rumors are only rumors. Let’s wait and see what becomes reality.