Overview
- At a Ronald McDonald House appearance, Darvish said through an interpreter he is not thinking about pitching as he focuses on recovering his arm strength.
- Darvish underwent flexor tendon repair with an internal brace to his UCL in October, a procedure performed by Dr. Meister with a team-estimated 12–15 month recovery.
- He has three years and about $46 million left on his deal through 2028, including $16 million in 2026, and retiring would remove the remaining salary from the Padres’ books.
- Multiple outlets, citing unnamed sources, report he is considering retirement, though he has made no decision and says he will reassess after rehab.
- Padres officials say they are discussing ways for him to stay involved around the club in 2026, with expectations he can mentor pitchers as he rehabs after a 2025 season limited to 15 starts and a 5.38 ERA.