Darvish Updates: Guardians Target Sugano in Offseason Rumors

The MLB offseason isn’t just about what happens on the field. Financial moves often shape the winter as much as trades or signings. This week’s news makes that pretty obvious.

Yu Darvish’s future in San Diego feels up in the air. Meanwhile, Cleveland got creative with Jose Ramirez’s extension. Then there’s Tomoyuki Sugano, whose market value is still a bit of a mystery. Teams are clearly angling for flexibility and keeping their options open as winter approaches.

Yu Darvish’s Uncertain Future and What It Means for the Padres

Over the weekend, Padres righty Yu Darvish admitted he’s thought about retirement. No final call yet, but he’s talking things over with the Padres and the MLB Players Association about what’s left on his contract.

Darvish’s health complicates things. He had UCL surgery in November, which will keep him out for all of 2026. At 39, he’s still owed about $43 million from 2026 through 2028. That’s a big chunk of change for both him and the team to consider.

Payroll Flexibility Could Shape San Diego’s Offseason

If Darvish retires, and the Padres work something out with him and the union, they could free up some payroll space. That breathing room would arrive at a time when they desperately need it—still trying to contend while watching the budget.

With more flexibility, San Diego could look at:

For a roster that’s struggled with balance, Darvish’s decision might quietly become one of the offseason’s biggest stories.

Jose Ramirez’s Extension Reshapes the Guardians’ Outlook

Cleveland didn’t wait around. The Guardians locked up their star, Jose Ramirez, a seven-time All-Star, to a seven-year contract extension that replaces the last three years of his old deal.

The extension gives Ramirez $106 million in new money. But what really stands out is the contract structure. Cleveland built in significant deferrals, cutting their short-term payroll by about $24 million over the next three years.

Guardians Target Right-Handed Outfield Help

That financial relief gives Cleveland a shot to fix a real weakness: right-handed outfield offense. The Guardians have leaned on contact hitters and platoons, but they need more power or at least better balance.

Some free agents already linked to them:

Tomoyuki Sugano Still Seeks His MLB Footing

Former NPB ace Tomoyuki Sugano finally made his MLB debut last season with the Orioles. He gave them durability, if not dominance, throwing 157 innings over 30 starts. That’s not something you see every day anymore.

The results? Mixed at best. Sugano posted a 4.64 ERA and a 5.36 FIP, and he led the American League in home runs allowed (33). His 15.7% strikeout rate was nothing special, but he did show off excellent control, walking just 5.3% of batters.

A Lower-Cost Veteran Option on the Market

Sugano’s debut in the U.S. didn’t go smoothly. Still, he’s made it clear—he wants to stick around here.

He brings durability, and that makes him interesting as a possible back-end rotation guy. For teams that just need someone to eat innings, he might quietly show up on their radar.

When you stack him up against expensive veterans like Chris Bassitt, Lucas Giolito, or Justin Verlander, Sugano stands out as a more budget-friendly fifth starter. There’s not much long-term risk, and that kind of profile can be surprisingly useful as the offseason drags on.

 
Here is the source article for this story: The Opener: Darvish, Guardians, Sugano