Yu Darvish will not opt out of Cubs contract |
Yu wants to be a Cub.
Cubs starting pitcher Yu Darvish could have opted out of his contract with the Cubs but according to multiple reports, he has decided to stay with the Cubs through the 2023 season which will pay him an additional $81 million. Darvish had a 3.98 ERA with 229 strikeouts in 178 innings this past season. This is solid news for the Cubs because Darvish appears to be the new ace of the staff (with Kyle Hendricks) because of his tremendous improvements during the second half of the season. In 13 second-half starts, he posted a 2.76 ERA, 0.81 WHIP and 118 strikeouts in only 81 1/3 innings. The Cubs will take those kinds of numbers all day long with Darvish or any other pitcher. As long as Darvish stays healthy, there is potential for Darvish to have a strong final four years with the Cubs. Yu Darvish had a big 2nd half (0.81 WHIP, 2.76 ERA, .199 BAA) and 229 Ks fir year, but he will not opt out of his deal. Has $81M, 4 years to go. He likes Chicago and had previously suggested his plans to stay. Can confirm @JonHeyman's report that Yu Darvish will not opt out of his contract with the Cubs. Not a surprise there. Once over injury setbacks and comfortable, Yu thrived down stretch.
K-BB% leaders in 2nd half:
Cole: 39%
Verlander: 36.6%
Darvish: 35.6%
