Chicago Cubs Rumors: Potential destination scenarios for Yu Darvish

The Chicago Cubs met with pitcher Yu Darvish and all indications of the meeting are positive. But it’s the offseason, and at the end of the day, a business.

About a month ago, I talked about why the Chicago Cubs will not sign Yu Darvish. Mainly because of the proposed $160 million range of a contract he might get.

Lately, the Cubs have been talking with Darvish, and while the details of said contract might be unknown, there seems to be speculation that he could take a four-year contract. That changes things.

While previous offseason talk seemed to center around the possible addition of Alex Cobb, almost immediately following the World Series, those talks have apparently subsided as Cobb reportedly seeks $20 million per season.

No thanks, right?

It is hardly an exclusive indicator as to what Cobb gets or how many years Darvish agrees to. Or what else transpires in an already topsy-turvy offseason.

But talks between Cubs’ brass, Theo Epstein, and Jed Hoyer, seemed so good that Darvish took to Twitter to confirm the meeting, including inviting the challenge of wanting to talk, sans translator.

But, again, as good as things may seem in favor of a Darvish-to-Cubs union, a lot can still unfold. The possibility remains for the top pitcher on the market to land elsewhere, as he is meeting with other clubs to determine overall best fit.

So let’s get into that now.

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.