Japanese · Habikino, Japan · Born 16 August 1977Japanese professional baseball pitcher known for his exceptional strikeout ability and international success in both NPB and MLB leagues.
Yu Darvish is a Japanese-American pitcher who has been one of baseball's finest starters since arriving in MLB from the NPB. His exceptional arsenal — featuring 7-8 different pitches — and elite command make him a constant strikeout threat. Despite injuries and a difficult 2017 World Series, Darvish has been a consistent All-Star performer and one of the most technically sophisticated pitchers in the game.
Elite slider, strikeout ability, first Japanese pitcher to win Cy Young votes in multiple seasons
How They Played
Power pitcher with exceptional slider, four-seam fastball, and multiple breaking balls
Lasting Impact
Bridge between Japanese and American baseball, one of the most successful international pitchers in MLB history
Career Honours
- NPB Pacific League MVP (2007)
- NPB Eiji Sawamura Award (2007)
- WBC Champion (2009)
- NPB Best Nine (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011)
| Team | Period | Games | Jersey |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Cubs | 2018–2021 | 92 | #11 |
| Texas Rangers | 2012–2017 | 524 | #11 |
| San Diego Padres | 2021–2024 | 84 | — |
| Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters | 2005–2011 | 167 | — |
| Los Angeles Dodgers | 2017–2018 | 31 | — |
 Japan | — | 15 | — |
Japanese Athletes