Overview
- Darvish posted on X that he is leaning toward terminating his Padres deal but will not announce retirement as he focuses on elbow rehabilitation.
- He is expected to miss the entire 2026 season after UCL repair surgery with an internal brace on his right elbow.
- Discussions involving the Padres and the MLBPA are ongoing, with a possible buyout or contract termination that could change San Diego’s payroll outlook.
- Roughly $43 million remains on Darvish’s contract for 2026–2028, and he said talks about ending the deal have been underway since last year.
- He plans to rehab at Petco Park and may attend part of spring training, while an initial report stating he had decided to retire was disputed by his agent, who called the situation complicated.