Overview
- Speaking at a Ronald McDonald House event Monday, the 39-year-old said he is not thinking about pitching during rehab and will decide on a return only if he feels ready.
- Darvish underwent flexor tendon repair with an internal UCL brace in late October, a timeline that rules him out for the entire 2026 season.
- Multiple outlets, citing unnamed sources, report he is considering retirement, though no decision has been made.
- He has three years and $46 million remaining on his contract, and retirement would clear that from the Padres’ books, with a buyout or settlement possible according to reports.
- Team officials expect him to stay involved with the club during recovery in a mentoring role, and his 2025 results (15 starts, 5–5, 5.38 ERA) highlight San Diego’s rotation needs.