It was as expected. Yu Darvish (39; San Diego Padres) gave up his entire one-year salary. In true Darvish fashion, his principle, sacrifice and decision for the team moved American fans.
On the 26th (Korean time), San Diego placed Darvish on the restricted list. The restricted list is a system that allows a club to retain rights to a player who cannot play for personal reasons, during which the player's salary is suspended. He is automatically removed from the 40-man roster and does not receive service time.
Normally that list includes players who have had incidents like banned substances or assault, but Darvish was different. After undergoing Tommy John elbow surgery in December last year, Darvish was already out for the season. He could have rehabiitated on the injured list and received his scheduled $15 million salary, but Darvish gave it up himself.
Darvish's strong work ethic led to another unusual decision. This was not the first time. In July 2024, Darvish was placed on the restricted list for 48 days for family reasons, and $4 million was deducted from his $16 million salary.
A.J. Preller, San Diego's president of baseball operations, offered to place Darvish on the 60-day injured list so his salary would be paid normally, but Darvish did not accept. Preller and agent Joel Wolfe were both surprised, saying, "We have never seen this before," at Darvish's steadfast belief that he could not accept money without doing his best to return.
Earlier, in August 2023, there was another Darvish moment. When an overgrown bone was found in his elbow and Darvish was placed on the injured list, San Diego was already out of playoff contention and the season looked likely to end early. Having accumulated fatigue from participating in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) before the season, there was no reason for the club to push Darvish.
But Darvish said, "Playing is my job. I get paid to throw the ball. It would be rude not to try to return. Not returning and resting just because the team's situation is poor is a lack of respect for my job." Although pain recurred late in the season and the season ended, it was an example of Darvish's convictions.
Darvish underwent his third elbow surgery because of this sense of responsibility and loyalty to the club. Last year, while rehabbing for elbow inflammation before the season and facing the possibility of surgery, Darvish endured the pain. He came up to the major leagues in July and pitched through the end of the season to help the team reach postseason contention.
He reflected, "I haven't contributed properly to the team. In my heart I thought this could be the last time, and I tried to hang on to the season as long as possible." Facing major surgery and a long rehab at an age approaching 40, Darvish denied retirement rumors by saying he would see it through. After signing a six-year, $108 million extension with San Diego in February 2023, Darvish remains under contract through 2028.
Darvish's decision also gave San Diego breathing room. Not only did a spot open on the 40-man roster, but with Darvish's salary gone there was payroll flexibility. With reduced financial burden, the door opened wide for strengthening the roster. According to The Athletic, San Diego is targeting Lucas Giolito, considered the top remaining starting pitcher on the free-agent market. With key starter Joe Musgrove on the injured list from the start of the season with elbow inflammation, leaving a gap in the rotation, Darvish's decision was all the more appreciated by San Diego.
From an American perspective, the epitome of capitalism, Darvish's decision is extraordinary. On social media related to the news, American fans praised him, saying, "Darvish is the most admirable player in history. He did what no one else would do," "His selfless act to help the team is amazing," "He can't throw this year but contributed to the team's wins," and "He is the real thing, helping the team in every way he can, unlike flashy players who only care about money."
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