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The Cubs are looking into the possibility of signing top free-agent starter Yu Darvish, a source told Bruce Levine of 670 The Score.
The Cubs are looking for a frontline starter after former ace Jake Arrieta decided to explore free agency as well. Darvish and Arrieta are considered to be the best starters on the market this offseason. The Twins and the World Series champion Astros are also interested in Darvish.
Last year, Darvish posted a 10-12 record with a 3.86 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 209 strikeouts over the course of 186 2⁄3 innings between the Rangers and the Dodgers. After being acquired at the non-waiver deadline by the Dodgers, Darvish helped the club get to the World Series by winning games in both the NLDS and NLCS, but had two disastrous starts in the Fall Classic, including Game 7.
If the Cubs can add Darvish, they will be getting a pitcher who has been an All-Star in four of his six years in the majors. Darvish was also a runner-up for the AL Cy Young in 2013. In addition, he will team up with John Lackey, Jose Quintana, Kyle Hendricks and newly signed starter Tyler Chatwood.
The Cubs will also add their fifth pitcher of the offseason, as they also signed Chatwood and fellow starter Drew Smyly plus relievers Brandon Morrow and Steve Chisek.