Chicago Cubs should pursue Yu Darvish, given Alex Cobb’s asking price

Given Alex Cobb’s reportedly high demands, the Chicago Cubs would be better suited to pursue free agent right-hander Yu Darvish this offseason.

Entering the offseason, a Joe Maddon/Jim Hickey-Alex Cobb reunion seemed like a foregone conclusion. The Chicago Cubs had a need in the starting rotation, Cobb had familiarity with two key members of the coaching staff and it would offer the right-hander the chance to play on a contender.

Really, it sure appeared to be a done deal.

But since then, other teams showed varying degrees of interest in Cobb – and, thus, his demands continue to rise. Once expected to net a deal somewhere in the neighborhood of four years, $60 millions, Cobb now reportedly seeks north of $20 million annually.

Which, at least in my mind, greatly tampers the Cubs’ interest.

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When the postseason drew to a close, MLB Trade Rumors projected Darvish at six years, $160 million. For what it’s worth, they said the right-hander would end up in Chicago. Now, I don’t think the Cubs are going to get that steep with him – but I could see five years in the $120-130 million range pretty easily.

The Cubs’ biggest competition for Darvish seems to be the Minnesota Twins. After missing out on Shohei Ohtani, the club is seeking a second consecutive postseason appearance in 2018. A stud like Darvish atop the rotation could be a big step toward that goal.

The same can be said for the Cubs. Now, after signing Tyler Chatwood for one of the two rotation spots, the team could proceed into Spring Training without another big signing. Mike Montgomery made it clear: he wants a shot, as well. Without the right deal on the market, Chicago may give him that chance.

Going toe-to-toe with the Nationals

Darvish, however, puts this Cubs rotation right there with the Nationals for top spot in the NL. Say Chicago advances to the postseason for a fourth-straight year. When you can trot out a combination of Darvish, Jon Lester, Kyle Hendricks and Jose Quintana – you’re set.

The Japanese standout put up a 3.83 FIP in 31 starts, averaging north of 10 strikeouts per nine. His earned run average has climbed annually since 2013 – from 2.83 to 3.86 last season. He’s not worth $160 million if you ask me. But still, he would make the Cubs rotation better – dramatically better.

If you have a choice between $120 million for Darvish or $80 million for Cobb, it’s a no-brainer. You go with Darvish. The main thing that could hinder such a deal is that extra $40 million. The Cubs have multiple holes left, including bullpen spots and some depth pieces position player-wise. Plus, the oft-rumored pursuit of Bryce Harper is just one year away. Is it time to put money aside for the generational talent?

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I’m not saying Yu Darvish is the ideal sign for the Cubs. But the simple truth is this. If Alex Cobb wants north of $20 million annually, he’s not worth signing. For $5 million more each season, you have the opportunity to add a top-of-the-rotation arm who could shore up the rotation in a big way come October.