Predicting how the Dodgers pitching rotation will look in 2018
By Jason Reed
2. Yu Darvish
This one may shock some people considering Yu Darvish is an unrestricted free agent this offseason. After the Dodgers acquired Darvish at the trade deadline, resigning him in the offseason seemed like a reasonable priority. Darvish is a great asset in a left-handed heavy starting rotation.
Then the World Series happened. Although Darvish dominated the Cubs and the Diamondbacks in the playoffs, despite all the strides he made in tweaking his mechanics with LA, the familiar bats of the Houston Astros were too much for Darvish. Of course, we all remember game three. We all remember game seven. It was a mess and it is understandable why fans would not want Darvish back.
However, there are no real options to fill the void that Darvish is leaving behind. Jake Arrieta is the only other MLB arm suitable for the role and he is likely asking for Clayton Kershaw like money. Another option exists in Shohei Ohtani, but that is a longshot as the Seattle Mariners seem to be the best fit for Ohtani.
Regardless, the Dodgers do not have the luxury of being picky offseason. Although the team may want to find an upgrade from Darvish, they have to make best with what they have.
Yu Darvish is still a fantastic option. Except Darvish to come back with a vengeance in 2018 and pitch himself into the MLB All-Star Game.