ARLINGTON, Texas – Yu Darvish impressed the Texas Rangers with his big body, durability and desire.
The two-time defending AL champions were so impressed that they have invested more than $111 million to acquire Japan’s best pitcher. They made a record posting bid and then used just about every minute of a 30-day negotiating window to reach an agreement Wednesday with Darvish on a $60 million, six-year contract.
“The thing that stood out probably is just his passion for the game and trying to be the best he can possibly be,” said Rangers President Nolan Ryan, a Hall of Fame pitcher. “He’s probably the most upside player I’ve ever seen come out of Japan.”
Darvish had a 93-38 record with a 1.99 ERA in 167 games the past seven seasons in Japan. The 25-year-old right-hander, who is 6-foot-5, was already a two-time MVP of Japan’s Pacific League and a five-time All-Star. He led the league in strikeouts three times and ERA twice, and averaged 205 innings pitched over the last five seasons.
“It’s all about winning,” general manager Jon Daniels said. “We saw a guy that we felt was built to pitch innings. It’s a classic pitcher’s build. He has a real commitment to
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