Yu Darvish has decided to hang up his cleats and retire from Major League Baseball. At 39 years old, Darvish has been a standout pitcher but has informed the Padres that he won’t pitch again, even with three years and $43 million left on his contract.
After undergoing surgery to fix a torn UCL and a flexor tendon in his elbow last October, Darvish faced a tough season. He managed to play just 15 regular-season games and one playoff game. Now, he’s prioritizing recovery and spending time with his family. “I’m focusing on getting right, not on coming back,” he mentioned, reflecting on his rehab journey.
Darvish has been open about his thoughts on the future. While he might want to pitch again someday, he’s currently not dwelling on that. He recognizes the physical toll that comes with the game, especially after missing significant time due to injury last season. In talks with Padres president A.J. Preller after the 2024 season, Darvish suggested the possibility of buying out his contract.
Sources say any buyout arrangement would lead to substantial savings for the Padres, allowing them to invest in the team. Darvish expressed a unique perspective on his salary, stating, “I look at it as it was never mine to begin with.”
Even as he considered retirement, he remained engaged with the team, participating in discussions and attending press events. His relationship with Preller and the late chairman Peter Seidler has profoundly influenced his decision-making.
During his time with the Padres, Darvish has made significant contributions. He won his 204th career game, making him the winningest pitcher overall between MLB and Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball Organization. His stats reveal a strong legacy, with a 3.65 ERA and 2,075 strikeouts throughout his career.
Darvish’s story is a testament to resilience. Despite the injuries that plagued his five years with the Padres, he wanted to leave everything on the field. “I did consider not coming back — with the injury and my performance,” he explained. Yet, he chose to go all in, treating every game as if it were his last.
As baseball reflects on his impressive career, fans and players alike will remember Darvish not just for his statistics, but for his passion and dedication to the game.
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San Diego Padres, Yu Darvish, A.J. Preller, starting pitching, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers
