Yu Darvish has been placed on the restricted list as he recovers from elbow surgery, a significant development for the San Diego Padres. The veteran pitcher is set to earn $15 million in 2026 as part of his six-year, $108 million extension, which he signed in 2021.
Throughout his 13-year career, Darvish has accumulated 115 wins and boasts a 3.65 ERA over 297 starts. “Right now I am fully focused on my rehab for my elbow, and if I get to a point where I can throw again, I will start from scratch again to compete,” Darvish stated regarding his current situation.
In addition to Darvish’s recovery, the Padres are reportedly exploring a potential sale, with estimates suggesting the franchise could be sold for more than $3.5 billion. This figure would significantly surpass the current MLB record for a franchise sale, which stands at $2.42 billion, set by Steve Cohen when he purchased the New York Mets.
Among the bidders for the Padres is Tom Gores, who has expressed interest in acquiring the team. The Padres are currently carrying approximately $300 million in debt, which may impact the final sale price.
The Padres’ value has seen a remarkable increase, with Forbes reporting a 59 percent year-over-year rise, estimating the team’s worth at $1.8 billion in 2024. Irwin Kishner, a sports attorney, noted, “I always thought (the Padres) were undervalued because I think they play in a great market, and if deep-pocketed owners wanted to take this to the next level, it’s available.”
Details remain unconfirmed regarding Darvish’s long-term plans, as there are no indications that he intends to retire. The final sale price of the Padres remains uncertain and will depend on the team’s debt and other terms.
