According to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Tribune, Darvish said this about his future outlook in the MLB (San Diego Padres on SI’s Gabe Smallson):
“Each year, I just focus to play baseball,” Darvish said. “If I feel like I can’t play baseball anymore, then I’m done playing.”
Darvish added this regarding the sway that his family life may have on whether or not he will decide to call it a career:
“I have a lot of kids,” he said. “So I have to see what are we doing now, where are we at and balance with the baseball.”
Padres: Darvish’s still stout despite injuries in 2023-24
Age may be a major motivator for Darvish to retire. He is 38-years-old and approaching his age-39 season. Nevertheless, he still has much left in the tank.
Though the Japanese talent missed time from May 30 through Sept. 3 of 2024 due to a left groin strain, he was still stout on the mound when healthy. Across 16 games played, Darvish went 7-3 with a 3.31 ERA, 1.065 WHIP and 78 strikeouts.
Injuries also hampered him in 2023. No matter, the five-time All-Star’s arm talent shows no signs of regression. Thus, his retirement will come on his own terms. The Padres will likely enjoy another strong season with him as their No. 3 option next season while they still have him.
No Comment! Be the first one.