Being introduced by his new team on Thursday, Yu Darvish said he was surprised by his exchange at the San Diego Padres and was thrilled to talk about his time with the Cubs and the ties he created in Chicago.
“With what’s going on with the coronavirus and the money the Cubs have, I wasn’t thinking about being changed,” Darvish said Thursday through an interpreter. “And besides, they’re a winning team and I thought we could compete.”
Darvish, however, is excited to join a “strong” Parents team that should compete for the National League banner.
“I’ve made my kids see the highlights of Parent alignment on YouTube,” the right-hander said. “They’re a strong team and I’m very excited to see the batting practice.”
Darvish said he has pitched better over the past 18 months than at any other time in his career. He finished second in the Cy Young poll last season after compiling an 8-3 mark with an effectiveness of 2.01, and attributed his improvement to the decision to work slow and “be himself.”
“The Puppies were telling me to prepare the way I would want to prepare,” Darvish said. “The Puppies stopped me from being myself. That helped me get back in shape.”
He was traded along with Victor Caratini, his personal receiver, in San Diego by opener Zach Davies — four prospects earlier this week. The move came a day after the Parents acquired left-hander Blake Snell from the Tampa Bay Rays.
Darvish’s mother once told him she thought he would play for the Parents, but he said he didn’t think that would materialize after signing a six-year, $ 126 million contract with the Cubs.
However, with Chicago in cost reduction mode, this premonition came true. Darvish hopes to find the same chemistry with his teammates in San Diego as in Chicago.
“A lot of people [de los Cachorros] he approached me and they were all quite shocked and felt bad, “Darvish said.” So this reality is great. I’m excited to play for Parents. “
Darvish, 34, said he learned of the exchange on Twitter, although his representatives knew there was a possibility it would be changed that day.
“My first year with Parents, when I get into spring training, I really want to be open and get to know everyone,” said Darvish, who already has a relationship with Parents general manager AJ Preller of his days. with the Texas Rangers.
Darvish was asked what his exchange might mean for Japanese baseball fans residing in San Diego.
“With the coronavirus and everyone a little depressed about what’s happening in the world, I just hope to generate enthusiasm and help the Japanese around me be happy,” Darvish said.