Minnesota Twins: 5 Free Agent Pitchers Part 2
By Nate Palmer
Yu Darvish
Even after a bad World Series performance, Yu Darvish is still widely agreed upon as the best starting pitcher in this offseason’s free agent market. Darvish split his 2017 between the Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Dodgers, pitching 186.2 innings, racking up 209 strikeouts (11.1 SO/9) and a 3.86 ERA. For his career, Darvish has a 3.42 ERA and 11.0 SO/9.
Darvish’s body of work, regardless of World Series performance, warrants a big payday. MLB Trade Rumors projects Darvish at 6 years and $160 million. There are several around the baseball world that believe that number could soar even higher due to the lack of high-end starting pitching available and the demand there will be for it.
There are plenty of interesting storylines for a Twins-Darvish union. GM Thad Levine was part of the front office that brought Darvish to the United States and the Rangers as he served as their Assistant GM. Could that comfort and relationship help bring Darvish to Minnesota? If the money is there, a good standing relationship never hurts.
Imagine the headline, “Minnesota Twins name Yu Darvish Opening Day starter.” Maybe even, “Twins plan to go Darvish, Jose Berrios, and Ervin Santana in ALDS vs. the New York Yankees.” Those are some exciting headlines!