Yu Darvish, arguably the top free-agent starting pitcher this winter, is expected to come off the market this week, according to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, and the Cubs are reportedly the favorites to sign the right-hander.
The Twins, Brewers, Phillies and Yankees have also been linked to Darvish, with Milwaukee and Minnesota having reportedly made offers. However, the Twins are not willing to go beyond a five-year commitment, per Heyman, and view right-hander Alex Cobb as a potential backup should they not sign Darvish.
The Cubs have been in the market for starters all winter, as two members of their 2017 rotation, Jake Arrieta and John Lackey, are free agents. They have been long rumored to potentially bring Arrieta back -- particularly with how slow this offseason's free-agent market has progressed -- but have been more strongly linked to Darvish. The Cubs have already signed former Rockies starter Tyler Chatwood to a three-year, $38 million deal to shore up the back end of their rotation.
Darvish posted a 3.86 ERA in 31 starts with the Rangers and Dodgers last season, including a 3.44 ERA over nine starts down the stretch for Los Angeles following a deal just before the non-waiver Trade Deadline. The four-time All-Star was also excellent in the first two rounds of the postseason, posting a 1.59 ERA in two starts over the National League Division Series and the NL Championship Series. He was hit hard by the Astros over two World Series starts, surrend
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