Chicago Cubs: Why the Cubs won’t sign Yu Darvish this winter

The free agent starting pitcher market is void of several big names–just Yu Darvish and Jake Arrieta–and the Chicago Cubs aren’t signing either.

Yu Darvish might just be the most talented starting pitcher on the free agent market, and it is no secret the Chicago Cubs are looking for a starting pitcher.

The 31-year-old, five-year veteran Darvish recently completed his tenure with the Rangers in July.  He then joined the Los Angeles Dodgers, for whom he started Game 7 of the World Series.

As decorated as a career as Darvish has had to this point, he’s dealt with several injuries including to his shoulder, elbow inflammation and Tommy John surgery in 2015. In between these ailments, Darvish was an All-Star each of his first three seasons – and in 2017.

The right-hander led the league in the past in both strikeouts and batting average against. Not to mention, he came within an out of throwing a perfect game in 2013.

MLB Trade Rumors predicted Yu Darvish would sign with the Cubs for six-years, $160 million. Under no circumstances can I realistically see the Cubs offering that kind of contract, whether to Darvish or anyone else.

If you were going to sign a free agent pitcher, would you sign Darvish or Jake Arrieta?