The clock is ticking louder in San Diego, and AJ Preller knows it. The Padres GM stares at a $66 million decision that grows heavier with each disappointing outing from Yu Darvish. After watching his veteran ace surrender four earned runs to the rival Dodgers across just four innings, Preller faces the harsh reality that his rotation cornerstone might be crumbling faster than anyone anticipated. Now, Father Time cannot be defeated — especially if you’re 39 and carrying a price tag that screams championship expectations.
Darvish’s Sunday performance painted a brutal picture that’s becoming all too familiar in San Diego. Four earned runs, three hits, and two walks across just four innings against Los Angeles — the numbers tell a story of decline that can’t be sugar-coated anymore. Darvish’s 5.97 ERA through eight starts screams mediocrity, not the ace-level production the Padres desperately need. The veteran has allowed four or more earned runs in three eight outings, transforming from a reliable starter to a liability faster than a fastball loses velocity.
Yu Darvish Contract
2025: $21 million
2026: $15 million
2027: $15 million
2028: $15 million
He just turned 39 years old… pic.twitter.com/RzmmmvGhHC
— Honestly Jake (@Honestly_Jake) August 17, 2025
The financial nightmare keeps Preller awake at night. Darvish chose to be placed on the restricted list while he was dealing with a private family matter, and Preller gave him the option to remain on the injured list so the pitcher could continue being paid his salary, but he declined. That gesture showed character, but it doesn’t erase the $66 million still owed through 2028. The descending contract structure offers slight relief — from $21 million in 2025 down to $15 million in the final two years — but that’s still premium money for declining production. Preller must decide whether to ride out the storm or explore trade options, knowing Darvish’s no-trade clause gives him ultimate control.
This situation echoes similar dilemmas Preller has navigated before. In July, Darvish chose to be placed on the restricted list while dealing with a private family matter, even declining Preller’s offer to remain on the injured list to continue receiving his salary. That gesture showed character, but character doesn’t win baseball games. Darvish’s struggles against division rivals like the Dodgers expose the harsh reality that age waits for no pitcher, not even one with over 2,000 career strikeouts.
MLB World Reacts to Padres Yu Darvish Contract
While AJ Preller contemplates his next move with the struggling veteran, the baseball community has unleashed a torrent of criticism regarding the Darvish contract and its impact on San Diego’s championship aspirations. Social media platforms erupted with fan reactions ranging from calls for retirement to harsh assessments of Preller’s decision-making, as another high-priced veteran shows signs of decline.
“Honestly. Yu is honorable enough to retire and give the money back,” declared one frustrated fan, echoing sentiment shared across Padres Nation. The reaction reflects growing impatience with a pitcher whose ERA through eight starts has less than the asset it should be. Another supporter was more direct: “He needs to do the honorable thing and retire.” These calls for voluntary retirement highlight how drastically expectations have shifted for a pitcher who once commanded ace-level respect.
Image: MLB.com
The criticism extended beyond individual performance to organizational strategy. “Padres got some stupid contracts for players going into their 40s. it’s just wonderful,” read one particularly pointed reaction, referencing San Diego’s pattern of investing heavily in aging veterans. This sentiment captures broader frustration with the franchise’s approach to building a championship roster through expensive, aging talent rather than developing younger alternatives.
Perhaps most damning was the assessment of Preller’s track record: “Classic AJ Preller masterclass,” commented one user sarcastically, while another was even more blunt: “One of the worst contracts in MLB history.” These reactions underscore how Darvish’s decline has become symbolic of larger organizational missteps in an era where the Padres desperately need sustainable success.
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