One Christmas wish for each Chicago sports team

Chicago Cubs: A healthy Yu Darvish

Last year, the signing of Yu Darvish would likely have been the top thing on most Chicago Cubs fans’ Christmas lists for the team.

Well, that wish came true. However, it certainly didn’t turn out the way that most people would’ve thought or hoped that it would.

Darvish’s first season on the North Side was a mess. After a dismal first month of the season, Darvish hit the disabled list with arm troubles, and somehow didn’t return for the year of the season, despite making two separate rehab stints.

After having right arm surgery after the season, Darvish could be back in prior form. The disappointment of Darvish wasn’t as much what he lacked on the field, but it was more of the fact that he wasn’t really on the field at all in 2018.

While the Cubs would likely have other things to wish for, such as a more potent offense, bullpen help, or maybe even a big free agent signing, Darvish’s return could triumph all of the aforementioned wishes.

If Darvish can return to his 2017 form, then the Cubs will have themselves another ace in the rotation. Darvish’s 2018, even when he was healthy, was far from that, but we’ve seen what Yu Darvish can do when he is at 100%, and when he is at top form, he’s pretty special.

2018 might’ve made some people completely forget what Darvish was like before his struggles and injuries, but I can assure you that if he can find a way to return back to that form, then Cubs fans will be regretting complaining about the Darvish fiasco in the first place.

It’s not that unlikely, but if it can come too fruition, the triumphant return of Yu Darvish will be a truly special gift for the Chicago Cubs.