Rangers rumors: Texas open to in-season extension with Yu Darvish

Rangers general manager Jon Daniels revealed Monday that the Rangers are willing to discuss an extension with right-hander Yu Darvish at any point during the season.

In an interview with KTCK/1310 AM on Monday, Daniels responded to a question about the 30-year-old Japanese right-hander's future with the club as he enters the final season of a six-year contract that was purchased by the Rangers in 2012.

"Where we left it is that either side can privately open it or raise it at any point," Daniels said. "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."

Darvish has been stellar for the Rangers whenever he has hit the mound for them. In his first three seasons, he went 39-25 while posting a 3.27 ERA, recording 680 strikeouts and earning All-Star appearances in each campaign. His best season was in 2013, when he went 13-9 and posted a 2.83 ERA and 277 Ks in 32 starts en route to finishing second in the AL Cy Young award voting.

In 2014, Darvish was shut down in September due to a right elbow injury and missed the 2015 season after needing Tommy John Surgery on the elbow. Last season, he put together a 7-5 mark and a 3.41 ERA in 17 starts, but was in and out of the rotation due to shoulder and neck injuries. This spring, Darvish is 2-0 with a 2.84 ERA and 17 Ks in four starts.

Darvish has reasons to stay with Texas, as he has been the focal point of their club's rotation. He also has had two children born in Texas after his second child was born on Sunday night.

Darvish and Cubs righty Jake Arrieta are the top two starters available in free agency next winter, though there have been rumors of both clubs discussing extensions with their current clubs.