Chicago Cubs Rumors: Potential destination scenarios for Yu Darvish

Bound for L.A.?

Darvish is mostly remembered for his World Series flop in October, and it has since been reported he was tipping pitches. Well, that explains that! And should alleviate additional concern as far as prior injury history.

Chicago Cubs

Before those two World Series games, he pitched a solid five innings, one earned run allowed, against the Diamondbacks in Game 3 of the NLDS, and Game 3 of the NLCS against the Cubs.

Before 2017, he had a tough outing in a single 2016 postseason performance and excelled in his 2012 postseason debut.

So, while maybe the World Series performance cautioned some teams, it would not be fair to say Darvish collapses on the big stage.

Anyway, are the Dodgers in play for a return of their prized trade deadline acquisition?

Well, remember that trade they made with the Braves? In which the expensive contracts of Adrian Gonzalez, Brandon McCarthy, and Scott Kazmir, plus Charlie Culberson, went the other way for the re-addition of outfielder Matt Kemp in Dodger blue?

Ken Rosenthal talks about the Dodgers’ desire for getting their payroll under the luxury tax, and Bill Plaschke on the potential spending binge for 2019 and beyond.

We will see if L.A. can, in turn, flip Kemp elsewhere and offset more salary. If they cannot, it seems rather unlikely the Dodgers bring Darvish back, but they are interested.

Champs get richer?

What about the team that greatly benefitted from Darvish’s alleged pitch-tipping?

The Astros apparently met with Darvish Tuesday, and though not much has come out of that meeting, or any Twitter feedback (I mean, my Japanese isn’t great) by the man himself, it could be a logical home for Darvish.

After the Cubs experienced setback last season with their pitching, it certainly makes sense for Houston to take a cautious approach.

Their rotation right now consists of Dallas Keuchel, Justin Verlander, Lance McCullers Jr., Charlie Morton, Brad Peacock, and Collin McHugh. I mean, that’s not a bad starting five, let alone six, and you can insert the best pitcher on the market into the middle?

The Astros, who ended the season at a little over $140 million in payroll, and ranked 19th among teams according to Cots, could be set to shed some salary following 2018. Kuechel and Verlander are free agents, following 2018 and 2019, respectively.

As MLB.com’s Richard Justice further illustrates in his piece detailing the Astros as a potential fit for Darvish, Houston’s 2019 payroll is comparatively meager at a committed $56 million right now.

So, maybe the Astros look to bolster their staff for an elusive shot at a World Series repeat. Especially if Kuechel is not in the future plans. To form a dynamic trio of Kuechel, Verlander, and Darvish for2018 is a scary proposition for all 29 other teams.

(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Close to the dotted line?

In the end, my prediction is the Chicago Cubs get their man in Darvish. Darvish’s lure, beyond skill and statistics, is exceeded only by the potential of signing him for less than initially thought.

And potentially, thanks to Alex Cobb, if he did price himself out of the Cubs’ plans. As of now.

Next: What does 2017 hold for Justin Grimm?

A Cubs’ starting staff consisting of Kyle Hendricks, Yu Darvish, Jon Lester, Jose Quintana, and Tyler Chatwood rivals the best. Assuming the health of all.

The Twins are also interested in pursuing Darvish, and he and the Rangers are said to be getting together, but strictly for dinner. And don’t count out the Yankees.