New York Yankees Rumors: Is Yu Darvish worth the money?

The New York Yankees aren’t new to the idea of paying big bucks for stellar arms. Now they may be in the midst of another expensive signing in Yu Darvish.

Baseball analysts notified fans that the New York Yankees, along with other significant contenders, were in communication with Yu Darvish, the most prominent starting pitcher on the market. The rumors ceased almost immediately for New York.

The talks haven’t evaporated, and writer Jon Heyman believes the club is seriously considering signing Darvish. 

General manager Brian Cashman is still searching for the final piece for the Bronx Bombers. The Yankees remain in the chase for Gerrit Cole, despite hitting a roadblock with the Pirates. Pittsburgh has yet to bite, as they want top prospect Gleyber Torres in the mix.

New York’s pursuance of Darvish could mean that those trade talks are waning, which would delight several Yankees fans. Tons of people argued throughout the past two weeks on social media regarding whether Cole is a good fit or not.

Now it might not matter.

But with Darvish, more money will be involved. The Japanese ace will inquire any team willing to pay him a significant amount of dough. He earned around 10 million dollars a year during his stint in Texas.

However, some talented starters receive more than $20 million a season – Cole Hamels and Zack Greinke. Darvish – still dubbed an elite starter – and his agent won’t think otherwise.

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Most New York fans might want the international pitcher rather than Cole based on their career numbers.

Darvish owned a career 3.42 ERA and made four All-Star appearances in his first five seasons – 2015 not included due to injury.

Cole’s career ERA isn’t much worse – 3.50 – but other numbers aren’t as appealing.

Darvish recorded an insane 277 strikeouts in 2013, which shows that his ceiling is remarkably higher than Cole’s.

The former Ranger still reached the 200-whiff mark in 2017, and he limited walks compared to previous years. But he yet has issues in yielding home runs and contributing in primetime bouts.

The Yankees must consider Darvish’s ability to perform in clutch situations. After folding in back-to-back starts against Houston in the World Series, he must prepare better – and not tip pitches.

Despite being subpar during the past postseason, he’s still a regular-season workhorse who can eclipse 200 innings and 200 strikeouts if he remains healthy.

And his addition would make New York much more intimidating, as he would pair up with fellow Japanese hurler Masahiro Tanaka.

With Cole, the Yankees would be better. They would have to surrender a top prospect or two in the process. Darvish would surely put them as the favorites to win the American League, but it could cost the club a multi-year deal worth more than $150 million.

After accepting Giancarlo Stanton’s extended contract and still attempting to rid of Jacoby Ellsbury’s massive deal, the front office may be hesitant to add another one to the payroll.

Darvish may be worth the risk, especially since the team hopes to rebuild its dynasty. But money matters in the MLB, and in this case, it may be the only reason stopping the Yankees from pulling the trigger.

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A few moves here and there could surely change that immediately.