If the Chicago Cubs do end up trading starting pitcher Yu Darvish, one of these three teams could be a likely landing spot.
According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Yu Darvish has been floated out as a possible trade piece as the Cubs enter a time of uncertainty when it comes to the core of their roster.
While multiple reports suggest that this is just a matter of the Chicago Cubs doing their due diligence as part of a regular offseason, the rumor mill is slow and movement among free agents/trade pieces is even slower right now, so exploring the trade market for Darvish is about as interesting as it gets right now.
Teams may not have a Babe Ruth to deal, but many teams appear to be more willing to trade for help this offseason than dish out big contracts. Combined with the talks of a likely roster shakeup in Chicago, don’t count out the idea of Yu Darvish being moved over the next few weeks.
Cubs ace Yu Darvish seems out there in trade talks, but it may be an example of a willingness to consider anything. And, off 2nd place Cy finish plus big 2nd half in ‘19, 1 exec rates trade chance as “very low,” and 1 uninvolved rival exec, guessed this on the ask: “Babe Ruth?”
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 21, 2020
It’s also interesting that Jon Morosi recently went on MLB Network, suggesting the San Diego Padres as an ideal fit. Maybe it’s just a matter of filling air time during a very slow holiday period, but the extra free time allows for some over-analyzing of every single rumor/tweet about a possible move.
What if Morosi knows a little more than he’s leading on? Could the Chicago Cubs really move on from their ace pitcher who just finished second in National League Cy Young voting?
There’s also the fact that the Chicago Cubs can realistically win the NL Central with their current roster. The Reds are set to sell off a majority of their roster, the Brewers don’t appear to be willing to spend much money, and the Pirates are…the Pirates. Other than having to compete with St. Louis, Chicago is in a good spot in their division right now.
But if they do ultimately deal Yu Darvish, these three teams may be the most likely trade partners.