Chicago Cubs: Things to watch for in spring training

Will a healthy Yu Darvish return to form?

Last winter, the Cubs bet big on Yu Darvish, inking him to a six-year, $126 million contract. Based on last year alone, the deal isn’t shaping up too well for the Cubs, although there’s plenty of time for the four-time All-Star to turn things around.

Darvish started just eight games for the North Siders last year before missing the rest of the season with tendinitis in his right tricep.

Even when Darvish was on the mound, he wasn’t his usual self. His 4.95 ERA, 4.86 FIP, and 15.5 K-BB% were all the worst of his career. Because of his struggles in his lone season on the North Side, it’s easy for Cubs fans to forget just how good Darvish was prior to his injury-plagued 2018 campaign.

Luckily for the Cubs, Darvish should be a prime candidate to bounce back strong in 2019.

After Tommy John surgery forced him to miss the entirety of the 2015 season, Darvish ranked 25th in ERA, 14th in FIP, 7th in K%, and 6th in K-BB% among all pitchers who racked up at least 250 innings in 2016 and 2017.

Cubs fans were excited to add Darvish as the rotation ace heading into last season, and they should be just as happy about having him this year.

All reports from the team and Darvish himself are optimistic, but the real test will be when he takes the mound for game action during spring training.

Some things to keep your eye on this spring are:

• Does he look “comfortable” and pain-free while throwing?
• Is he mechanically sound and back to his pre-injury form?
• Are his pitches moving well?
• Is he still throwing his fastball around 95 mph?

If Darvish can answer those four questions with a “yes” this spring, look for him to return to elite status in 2019 – the ace of the Cubs rotation and a top 15 starter in the league.