Chicago Cubs Rumors: Your midday MLB Trade Deadline update

Darvish on the move – but to where?

For the better part of the weekend, the Texas Rangers’ Yu Darvish seemed likely to wind up in Southern California in Dodger Blue.

But, as the deadline nears, talks have lost some steam, according to Jeff Passan. He said the teams ‘simply aren’t matching up’ – despite the fact these discussions have been ongoing for some time.

Darvish is coming off arguably the worst start of his career – but still represents a significant rotation boost to pretty much any contending club. Reports indicate the Yankees and Indians are both also on the edges of the Darvish pursuit – but the former’s interest depends on how their Sonny Gray talks wind up.

Staying in Texas?

Another potential destination lies in the Lone Star State in the Astros. The club has been actively seeking out rotation upgrades – and given their familiarity with Darvish, a deal makes sense. On the other hand, if you’re Jon Daniels, do you want to give a division rival a piece that may help them win a World Series?

Darvish, who hits free agency at the end of the year, owns a 4.01 ERA and 1.168 WHIP this season with the Rangers. He made his fourth All-Star team in five seasons – and will likely be playing playoff baseball somewhere other than Arlington.

The only question now is where?