The Texas Rangers seem to be approaching the Yu Darvish contract situation with caution, but they are open to discussing an extension during the season.
Rangers GM Jon Daniels told 1310 The Ticket’s Norm Hitzges on Monday that the team has “interest in him staying here,” regarding Darvish. Daniels also said the team is open to having contract talks with Darvish at any point.
“Where we left [it] is that either side can privately open it or raise it at any point,” Daniels said on 1310 The Ticket. “No set deadlines or anything like that. The lines of communication are open, and the relationship is very good. That’s a great starting point.”
The Rangers are banking on their belief that Darvish likes Texas and would want to stay with the team.
Texas is proceeding with caution because Darvish is still working his way back from Tommy John surgery. The Japanese starter has been an unquestionable ace when healthy, but he’s only made 100 career starts since coming over in 2012. If Darvish puts up a strong 2017 or does anything like he did in 2013, the Rangers will probably end up regretting not trying to seal the deal sooner.
