The San Diego Padres made yet another move in the offseason, if you thought things were somewhat quiet these days.
The Padres and right-hander Yu Darvish have agreed to terms on a six-year, $108 million extension, one that will keep him in San Diego through his age-42 season.
Right-hander Yu Darvish and the San Diego Padres are in agreement on a six-year, $108 million contract extension, sources tell ESPN. The deal starts this season and runs through 2028, when Darvish will be 42.
—Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 9, 2023
Pitchers who make it to 42 in one piece are rare, so it’s certainly a risky proposition.
If anyone can pull it off, however, it’s Darvish, who has at least six different pitches and the means to outsmart hitters for several more years.
Darvish was set to hit free agency after 2023, but not anymore.
He will turn 37 in August, but remains a top starter who had a brilliant 3.10 ERA and 197/37 K/BB ratio over 194 2/3 innings (30 starts) in 2022.
He’s aging nicely and the Padres are betting on that trend to continue.
In fact, it’s not the first time this offseason that the Padres show they care very little about age when it comes to negotiating contracts.
The Padres this offseason
Wanted to sign Judge til he was 44
Signed Bogaerts til he’s 41
Extended Darvish until he’s 42Age is simply not a thing that exists to them
— Addison (@YankeeWRLD) February 9, 2023
Teams are giving up lots of years in contract length in exchange for keeping the average annual value somewhat down and giving themselves room to manage.
Still, some fans still can’t wrap their heads around the risk of signing a pitcher until he is 42.
Quick break in the NBA news today… Darvish until he’s 42 is NUTS. https://t.co/Tq3wbcPfVC
—Jake Dicker (@jakedicker) February 9, 2023
It’s a bad deal unless everything goes right for Darvish.
One big arm injury or loss of veil and the deal falls apart.
—Jake (@MarkPriorRBW) February 9, 2023
The Padres are aware of the situation but wanted to extend their stay at all costs.
They value their rotation big three, comprised of Darvish, Blake Snell and Joe Musgrove.
That core helped them reach the NL Championship Series, and they are aiming even higher this year.
