Report: Padres working on Yu Darvish trade

Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Padres in deep talks with Cubs on Yu Darvish trade

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 12/28/20

The San Diego Padres completed a blockbuster deal for former Cy Young winner Blake Snell on Sunday night. It appears they're also eyeing another ace for their rotation.

According to Dennis Lin of The Athletic, the Padres are in deep negotiations with the Chicago Cubs to acquire Yu Darvish. The right-hander has reportedly been a target for the Padres since the offseason began.

Darvish has been a target for the Padres since early in the offeason. There's well-documented history here. A.J. Preller was key in scouting and recruiting Darvish for the Rangers.
— Dennis Lin (@dennistlin) December 28, 2020

San Diego also has been looking for a catcher. MLB Network's Jon Heyman adds that Wilson Contreras or Victor Caratini could be a part of a Darvish trade.

Padres also have been looking for catching help. Could potential Darvish deal with Cubs be expanded to include Contreras or Caratini?
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 28, 2020

Darvish had a career year in 2020, finishing second in National League Cy Young voting after going 8-3 with a 2.01 ERA and 93 strikeouts in 76 innings for Chicago. The 34-year-old has spent the past three seasons with the Cubs after playing for the Texas Rangers and a brief stint with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Adding Darvish would leave San Diego with one of the best rotations in all of baseball. By 2022, the team could potentially have Snell, Darvish, Dinelson Lamet, Chris Paddack and Mike Clevinger, who will miss the 2021 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

Darvish is under contract for the next three seasons and is owed $59 million.

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