CBS News: Yu Darvish Announces Departure, Bids Farewell to Teammates and Supporters
In a heartfelt and emotional announcement, veteran pitcher Yu Darvish has confirmed that he will be leaving the San Diego Padres after a distinguished tenure with the team. The 37-year-old right-hander took to social media and addressed his teammates and fans in a message expressing gratitude and bidding farewell to the organization that he has called home since 2017.
Darvish, who has been a key figure in the Padres’ pitching rotation, has spent the past several seasons as one of Major League Baseball’s most reliable starters. Known for his electric stuff and impressive repertoire of pitches, Darvish has been a consistent force on the mound for San Diego, earning two All-Star selections and helping guide the team to multiple postseason appearances. In his farewell message, Darvish thanked Padres fans for their unwavering support throughout his time in San Diego.
“It has been an incredible journey, and I can’t express enough how grateful I am for the amazing experiences, the friendships, and the love I’ve received from all of you during my time with the Padres,” Darvish said in a post on his official social media account. “From the bottom of my heart, thank you to my teammates, coaches, and the entire Padres organization for believing in me. To the fans who cheered me on every step of the way—your passion and loyalty will always be a part of my heart.”
Darvish, who was traded to San Diego from the Chicago Cubs in 2017, quickly became a fan favorite due to his poise, professionalism, and elite pitching abilities. Over the course of his tenure with the Padres, Darvish posted solid numbers, including a career-high 10.8 strikeouts per nine innings in 2021 and a critical role in the team’s deep playoff run that same year. His ability to dominate hitters with an array of breaking pitches and a fastball that can still reach the mid-90s has made him one of the most respected pitchers in the league.
While the specifics of his next move have not been officially disclosed, sources indicate that Darvish’s departure could be part of a broader restructuring within the Padres’ roster as they look to retool and manage payroll flexibility in the coming seasons.
Padres’ manager Bob Melvin expressed his admiration for Darvish, calling him a “true professional” who brought a wealth of experience to the clubhouse. “Yu’s leadership and his ability to pitch in big moments have been invaluable to this organization,” Melvin said in a statement. “He’s been one of the pillars of our pitching staff, and we’ll miss him greatly.”
The news of Darvish’s departure marks the end of an era for the Padres, who will now look to fill a significant void in their rotation. As for Darvish, his future remains uncertain, but his legacy in San Diego is secure. Fans and teammates alike will no doubt remember his contributions to the team for years to come, as he embarks on the next chapter of his illustrious career.
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