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Padres get intriguing Yu Darvish update amid potential 2027 return
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- Padres get intriguing Yu Darvish update amid potential 2027 return
Padres get intriguing Yu Darvish update amid potential 2027 return originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The San Diego Padres acquired Robbie Ray from the San Francisco Giants and Casey Mize from the Detroit Tigers at the MLB trade deadline this season.
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They had to make such a move with major question marks in their rotation, and one of the main reasons why such trades had to happen if they wanted to contend is Yu Darvish .
He forfeited $15 million this season, as he is recovering from an injury that's kept him out all season. But according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale , the Padres starter is reportedly beginning to throw bullpen sessions, putting him in play for 2027.
Padres get intriguing Yu Darvish update amid bullpen sessions
" San Diego Padres starter Yu Darvish, who forfeited his $15 million this season when he voluntarily went on the restricted list, has begun throwing bullpen sessions to see if he can return in 2027," Nightengale reports.
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Since Darvish is under contract for the next two seasons at $30 million total with the Padres, they could be getting back an All-Star pitcher next season.
Of course, there is plenty up in the air about his possible return to the big leagues, as his bullpen sessions are still a work in progress.
But if the Padres were to get him back, and at a decent level of production, even in a more limited role, it would be a huge boon for the Padres.
Ray and Mize will hit free agency after this season, and Michael King could opt out of his deal and seek a long-term contract this winter as well.
MORE: Jose Berrios ' extremely unlikely ' to opt out of $48 million deal with Blue Jays
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So, having someone like Darvish, who is under club control, would be a nice way to upgrade the rotation without having to lift a finger.
In his MLB career, Darvish has a 3.65 ERA and is a five-time All-Star. Most recently, in 2025, he had a 5.58 ERA in 15 starts with -0.1 bWAR. He was much better in 2024, posting a 3.31 ERA in 16 starts with 2.0 bWAR and a 7-3 record.
While he is not likely to return to star status again at 40-plus years old, he could still provide some quality rotation depth for the Padres.
This update from Nightingale doesn't reveal that Darvish is going to be back, but it does reveal he's working towards such a return. This could be a huge break for the Padres, as Darvish's return could give them some much-needed pitching depth.
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