Sasaki, are you tired? Darvish, I'll help you. Darvish, even though you've become an enemy, the main goal as a human being is a full-time rotation in three years

Feb 09, 2025

San Diego Padres Darvish Yu strikes out Max Muncy and roars in the third inning in the opening game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Gocheok Dome on March 20 last year. Sports Chosun DB

San Diego Padres Darvish Shoo was frequently mentioned in the offseason because he was connected to another player. During the Major League posting negotiations with Rocky Sasaki from Japan, he was identified as a 'India' who will bring him to San Diego. Of course, Darvish himself actively recruited Sasaki and dreamed of a Japanese one-two punch in San Diego.

Darvish is well known as Sasaki's mentor. It is said that they met at the World Baseball Classic Japanese national team in March 2023 and began full-fledged exchanges. When Sasaki was on the posting tour in early January this year, she also had dinner on behalf of the San Diego squad.

However, Sasaki signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He chose the Dodgers after agonizing over putting the Dodgers, San Diego, and Toronto Blue Jays as the final candidates. He had to sign a minor league contract because he was an international amateur FA under the age of 25, but he held the hands of the Dodgers, who offered $6.5 million in the Cyning Bonus.

There were mixed interpretations as to why Sasaki turned away from San Diego, but local media cited the instability of the San Diego club as the reason. The legal battle between the family over management rights since the death of owner Peter Seidler has become a burden on Sasaki's mind. However, since the owners of the Major League have approved the late Peter's brother, John Seidler, as the owner of the San Diego team, attention is being paid to the impact of the legal lawsuit.

San Diego players gave an unfortunate look to Sasaki's trip to the Dodgers. In particular, Manny Machado, the team's leader, attended a fan festival held at Petco Park on the 2nd (Korea time), and "I think Sasaki has already made up his mind about where he will go. There is nothing to do with our club's management dispute." In other words, San Diego was 'bridesmaid'.

Darbitshu and Sasaki, who are fist-bumping at the WBC in March 2023. Sports Chosun DB

But Darvish said "I think our club did the best it could. He gave him a surprising favor and welcome at the club level. Of course, it was up to him to make the decision. There is nothing we can do about it"Until I ask Sasaki why I chose the Dodgers, I don't know why. Well, that's what I can't say. There is no opinion of him."

Darvish also said, `I will watch Sasaki's season. There may be difficulties, and at that time, I'm thinking of giving him the best advice I can if he contacts me. As a player, as a human being, that's very important." In other words, although he became a member of another team, he will actively adapt to Sasaki's major league.

It would be a big disappointment for Darvish, but he needs to tighten his sneakers again toward the new season. It's the most important season since 2021, when Darvish wore a San Diego uniform. Darvish only played 16 games last year. Injuries and personal circumstances overlapped.

He took two weeks off in April due to a neck injury, and was on the restricted list in July while continuing his rehabilitation after losing again due to a groin injury in June and returned only in early September. The list of restricted players was volunteered by Darvish, who was concerned about the club's annual salary burden, and it is known that he stayed in Japan due to his personal history.

Darvish only pitched 16 games last year due to injuries and personal history. Sports Chosun DB

Asian legend Ichiro Ichiro (from right), Park Chan-ho, Nomo, and Matsui are cited. Photo =MLB.com

Therefore, this season's goal is to digest the full-time rotation. He is also in good shape five days before the opening of spring training. San Diego will start spring training in Peoria, Arizona, starting with a call-up of two shots on the 13th.

Darvish won 110 games in the major leagues until last year. He is the third Asian to win multiple games after Park Chan-ho (124) and Nomo Hideo (123). You can go shoulder to shoulder with the two Asian legends and go beyond. If he adds 15 wins, he will become the most winning pitcher from Asia. Suzuki Ichiro, Park Chan-ho, Nomo and Hideki Matsui are considered retired major league legends from Asia, followed by Darvish.

He was 16-8 with a 3.10 ERA in 30 games in 2022, marking his second heyday. That offseason, the San Diego Padres gave him a six-year, $108 million extension contract gift. This is the third season of the contract. If San Diego no longer changes its power, Darvish is expected to be the third starter after Dylan Sheese and Michael King.

This article was translated by Naver AI translator.