Chicago Cubs will get their man for the rotation – it’s a matter of time

Is Darvish the missing piece to the puzzle?

Everyone remembers one thing from Yu Darvish’s 2017 season – his Fall Classic implosion.

Since then, it appears he tipped his pitches against the Astros. And this isn’t the first time it’s been an issue, either. Not even in the last calendar year. All told, though, he made 31 starts between Texas and Los Angeles last season.

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Similar to Arrieta, things could be headed in the wrong direction. Unfortunately, only time carries the answer to that question. Since 2013, Darvish’s earned run average has climbed from 2.83 to 3.86, respectively. He’s eclipsed more than 200 innings just one time in his career – but has continued to rack up the strikeouts and limit the walks.

The Japanese-born right-hander turns 32 next August. Is he worth a six or seven-year deal? I can tell you this. It won’t be in a Chicago Cubs uniform at those terms.

But if you can reel him in on a four-year contract? The Cubs could boast one of the most potent rotations in the game for years to come.