Yu Darvish personally clarified the retirement rumors: he admitted leaning towards terminating his contract, but his future depends on his rehabilitation progress.

San Diego Padres' Japanese starting pitcher Yu Darvish had ulnar collateral ligament surgery on his right elbow following last season and is confirmed to be out for the entire next season. Nevertheless, when reporter Kevin Acee reported that Darvish had notified the team about retiring, Darvish immediately denied it, clarifying that while he is indeed considering ending his contract with the Padres, the retirement rumors are not true.

The 39-year-old Darvish signed a six-year extension with the Padres before the 2023 season. Unexpectedly, with three years and $46 million remaining on his contract, he underwent right elbow ulnar collateral ligament repair surgery last November, ruling him out for the next season. Darvish has admitted uncertainty about returning to the major league mound, and Acee’s report on the 25th quickly attracted attention, prompting Darvish himself to respond directly.

On social media, he wrote: “You may have seen the report. Although I am currently inclined to terminate my contract, there are still many matters to discuss with the Padres, and the details are not finalized.” He emphasized: “Right now, my full focus is on elbow rehabilitation. If I can pitch again in the future, I will start from scratch and return to the field; but if I feel I cannot, that will be when I announce my retirement.”

Darvish further explained: “Actually, since last year, I have been discussing contract termination with the team. This year, I still plan to rehab at the Padres’ home facilities and participate in some spring training.” His agent also denied the retirement claims, stating: “Yu Darvish has not made a final decision yet. This matter is quite complex, and we are still in ongoing communication and handling it.”