Padres News: AJ Preller Talks About Why Yu Darvish Contract Wasn't as Big a Risk as it Seems
Many people were very surprised when news broke of Yu Darvish's 6-year $108 million contract extension, including the starting pitcher himself. He admitted that he feared his playing days were over and thought the offer was just a prank.
However, San Diego is all in on the 5-time All-Star and general manager AJ Preller explained to The Athletic some of the thought process that took place prior to the deal.
"There are, of course, risks that come along with committing $108 million to a pitcher in his late 30s," said Preller. "We’re taking a chance, obviously, on the length of it, but we feel like he’s going to be able to pitch deep into this contract, into his career, at a high level.”
Darvish performed very well last year following some injury-riddled seasons. He was electric suiting up for the Padres, as he posted 5.32 strikeouts for every walk which was the second best average of his career. He also won a career-high 16 regular season games.
Preller spoke highly of Darvish's love for the game and said that it's a big reason why, despite his age, his numbers are up there with the best. He never loses that drive to keep working and learning.
"If you see the work he puts in in the offseason, the attention to his craft, there's no secret sauce for why he's one of the best performers in the game," said Preller. "He's incredibly curious, he loves the game, and he works like he's the 26th man on the roster, when he's as good as any pitcher in the game of baseball."
San Diego's front office have done a great job this offseason at retaining key players such as Darvish to longer deals. More success this year will only lead to better paydays.
