In his latest piece for the Boys of Arlington series, esteemed former beat writer T.R. Sullivan dives into the intriguing journey of Yu Darvish during his tenure with the Texas Rangers, reflecting on the anticipation that surrounded his MLB debut.

Darvish’s story is reminiscent of Randy Johnson’s in terms of predictions and potential. Johnson, a Hall of Famer known for his dominating presence on the mound, relied mostly on a fastball and a slider, a tactic that earned him five Cy Young Awards and a place second in all-time career strikeouts. Darvish, equipped with a similar arsenal including a formidable fastball and a slider, added a plethora of other pitches to his repertoire, something that might have diluted his effectiveness according to Sulliva.

Upon joining the Rangers in 2012, Darvish brought with him a dizzying array of pitches – cut and sinking fastballs, a split fastball, a changeup, multiple curveballs, the gyroball, and even a knuckleball attempt. This extensive selection was beyond ordinary, showcasing his unique approach and versatility.

Darvish’s attempt to master such a wide variety of pitches was unusual, to say the least. His reasons, ranging from boredom to the immense pressure of meeting high expectations, remain a subject of speculation as Darvish has rarely opened up about his strategy. Sullivan, however, has consistently argued that focusing on just his fastball and slider could have propelled Darvish to meet, if not exceed, those lofty expectations.

Despite his vast pitch selection, Darvish failed to clinch a Cy Young Award with the Rangers, a feat yet unachieved by any of the team’s pitchers. His time in Texas was a blend of highs and lows, marked by All-Star appearances and a near-perfect game, but also hampered by injuries including a significant elbow injury that ultimately led to Tommy John surgery.

Darvish’s recovery and eventual return to the mound demonstrated resilience, but the Rangers’ decision to trade him to the Dodgers in 2017 signaled the end of an era. The trade was a pivotal moment, reflecting both the end of Darvish’s journey with the Rangers and the team’s transition from its peak years.

Sullivan’s reflection on Darvish’s Texas chapter captures not just the pitcher’s on-field exploits but also his complex personality, from his distant demeanor to rare moments of humor and openness. Darvish’s tenure with the Rangers remains a poignant narrative of what could have been, encapsulating the unpredictable and often harsh realities of professional sports.