Yu Darvish to Miss the Entire 2026 Season – A Heartbreaking Setback for Fans and the Padres
Here’s some news that hits baseball fans right in the gut—especially those who remember Yu Darvish’s brilliant (though brief) stint with the Chicago Cubs. For many of us, he’ll always feel like a Cub at heart. But today’s update from San Diego is one of those announcements no fan ever wants to hear.
Yu Darvish, the veteran ace of the San Diego Padres, will miss the entire 2026 MLB season following surgery to repair a torn flexor tendon and add an internal brace to his elbow. ESPN’s Jeff Passan broke the story on X (formerly Twitter), confirming what many had feared: Darvish’s recovery timeline rules out any chance of returning next year.
And here’s where it gets tough to swallow: Darvish, now 39, had already been limited to just 31 starts across the last two seasons due to ongoing arm troubles. Losing another full year raises real questions about whether he’ll ever be able to return to form—or return at all. Can a 40-year-old pitcher bounce back from a major elbow surgery? It’s a comeback story everyone would love to see, but the odds are steep.
For the Padres, this blow cuts deep. Their rotation, already facing uncertainty with both Dylan Cease and Michael King potentially heading into free agency, just lost one of its most experienced arms. Sure, Joe Musgrove is expected to rejoin the roster, but without Darvish’s veteran presence, the team suddenly faces a mountain of pitching questions—especially for a club that’s clearly built to win now. You have to wonder: will this force San Diego to fight harder to re-sign one of their soon-to-be free agents?
Despite the disappointment, fans everywhere are rooting for Darvish. His work ethic, adaptability, and passion for the game have earned him respect across the league. The silver lining? He’s still under contract with the Padres through 2028—so if rehab goes well, there’s a chance for an inspiring comeback story a couple of years down the line.
But here’s what most people might miss: this isn’t just a story about injury. It’s also about the reality of aging athletes, the limits of recovery, and the emotional connection fans build with their favorite players long after they switch teams.
What do you think—can Yu Darvish defy the odds and return stronger at 40? Or is this the beginning of the end for one of baseball’s most fascinating careers? Share your take in the comments below—because this debate is far from over.
Written by Brett Taylor, Lead Baseball Writer and founder of Bleacher Nation (established 2008), one of the most influential regional sports blogs covering Chicago teams. You can find Brett on X @BrettATaylor, on Bluesky @Brett-Taylor, or on LinkedIn.
