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Pitching Prospect or Future Ace? Revisiting the Darvish Trade

A Deep Dive into the 2017 Trade that Sent Yu Darvish to the Dodgers

The trade of Yu Darvish from the Texas Rangers to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2017 was one of the most significant moves of the MLB season. The deal sent shockwaves through the league, as Darvish was one of the most coveted pitchers on the market.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Darvish trade, exploring its impact on both the Rangers and Dodgers, and examining whether the move has paid off for either team.

Who Was Yu Darvish?

Yu Darvish is a Japanese right-handed pitcher who has played in the MLB since 2012. He is a four-time All-Star and has won a Silver Slugger Award. Darvish is known for his exceptional command and a devastating changeup.

Before being traded to the Dodgers, Darvish had spent five seasons with the Rangers. In that time, he compiled a record of 52-39 with a 3.42 ERA and 922 strikeouts.

The Trade

On July 31, 2017, the Rangers traded Darvish to the Dodgers for a package of prospects that included Willie Calhoun, A.J. Alexy, and Brendon Davis.

The trade was met with mixed reactions. Some believed that the Rangers had given up too much for Darvish, while others felt that the Dodgers had acquired a true ace.

The Impact on the Rangers

The trade of Darvish had a significant impact on the Rangers. The team struggled to replace his production, and they finished with a losing record in 2017.

However, the trade also allowed the Rangers to acquire some talented prospects. Calhoun has emerged as a valuable player, and Alexy and Davis have shown promise in the minors.

The Impact on the Dodgers

The trade of Darvish was a major win for the Dodgers. Darvish immediately became the team's ace, and he helped lead them to the World Series in 2017.

Darvish has continued to be a key part of the Dodgers' rotation, and he has been one of the most consistent pitchers in the league.

Who Won the Trade?

It is still too early to say definitively who won the Darvish trade. The Rangers have acquired some talented prospects, but it remains to be seen if they will be able to replace Darvish's production.

The Dodgers, on the other hand, have already benefited greatly from the trade. Darvish has been a key part of their success, and he is still one of the best pitchers in the league.

Conclusion

The trade of Yu Darvish from the Texas Rangers to the Los Angeles Dodgers was a major event in the 2017 MLB season. The move had a significant impact on both teams, and it is still too early to say definitively who won the trade.