Forum
Forum Navigation
DARVISH ... FUTURE OPTIONS
#1 · December 7, 2025, 5:25 am
Darvish has 3 years remaining on his contract: 2026 (age 39 / $16MM); 2027 (age 40 / $15MM); and 2028 (age 41 / $15MM).
Is there a way to treat Darvish fairly while improving the Padres financial situation? Have to consider:
2026: Darvish out with TJ surgery
2027: will there be a lockout (if so Darvish not getting paid during lockout / Padres not paying)? Can a 40 year old rebound to any effectiveness after TJ and not pitching for maybe 18-24 months? What are the new rules the Padres will have to navigate with the new CBA (eg new tax limits, new salary limits)?2028: At 41 will Darvish have any effectiveness (or even pitch)?
In the background is 2024 (16 starts / 82 innings at age 37) and 2025 (15 starts / 72 innings at age 38) ... not encouraging for future productivity at ages 40 and 41.
What might work for both sides is a "buyout" (thinking a Bonilla or Ohtani type structure). Darvish retires with a $46MM buyout (what he is currently owed) but spread over 10 years. Darvish gets his money with long term security. Padres spread out the cash flow and as I understand lower the AAV from $18MM (old contract level) to $4.6MM giving more room under the current luxury tax level and in turn saves some penalty money and avoid loss of draft picks.
Makes some sense for both sides unless Darvish really believes he can return effectively or wants his money early not deferred.
MrPadre19 and Randy Manese have reacted to this post.
MrPadre19Randy Manese
#2 · December 7, 2025, 2:18 pm
Its the same situation that the LAA are in/just did with Rendon. Not sure if its finished yet, or how the CBT money works, but if the Angels can do it with Rendon, they Padres should be able to do it with Darvish.
#3 · December 8, 2025, 2:20 pm
It would be GREAT if Darvish would come to terms in regards to stretching out his money, therefore lessening the Pads financial burden.
If he can't help us on the field, maybe he can help us afford someone who can?
#4 · December 15, 2025, 1:11 pm
Heard a report that Darvish, in an interview, suggested that he will do his rehab but may never pitch in the ML again.
Preller and Darvish are in on going conversations (no idea the nature other than health status).
For Darvish's health ... having full access to the medical services of the Padres is important ... so, in my mind, he is not going to just retire.
Those comments may give a window of a creative "buyout" of his contract with a new role within the organization while still able to rehab under the Padres' medical folks a chance.
Maybe.
#5 · January 24, 2026, 1:23 pm
Yu Darvish to retire….according to Kevin Acee
#6 · January 29, 2026, 11:26 am
So Kevin Acee is doubling down on his Yu to retire talk and says that the Padres are already allocating the money they expect to save when he does.
But,he didn't say if they already have (resigning King) or if they still plan to....(Zac Gallen?)
)
#7 · January 29, 2026, 12:28 pm
Quote from MrPadre19 on January 29, 2026, 11:26 amSo Kevin Acee is doubling down on his Yu to retire talk and says that the Padres are already allocating the money they expect to save when he does.
But,he didn't say if they already have (resigning King) or if they still plan to....(Zac Gallen?)
)
Yeh, a little fuzzy on where they are now ... does this mean $15MM Cash (less any buyout paid this year) becomes available or does that net savings just help an objective for a lower payroll?
Timing is also at issue. Apparently given Darvish's retirement scenario a settlement not only includes the Padres and Darvish but involves the MLB Players' Union and the league since contracts are a product of the CBA rules.
Think Gallen will be too expensive ... projected at $22MM AAV / 2 year deal ... plus having turned down his QO the signing team will lose a draft pick.
Even if they save the max 2026 at $15MM need to think max SP signing at $15MM. More likely (baring any trades to further reduce payroll) they would split that money down between a potential #4-5 SP and a RHH hitter. Maybe more a Nick Martinez or Zach Littell level.
#8 · January 29, 2026, 12:35 pm
We were all surprised (or at least I was) when we "found the money" for King.
Would make sense now if that $ was what they are expecting to save from Darvish and not just a new expenditure.
But on the other hand it would be better if that isn't the case and any savings from Yu retiring can still be put into payroll for 2026......obviously