Yu Darvish expressed joy and surprise Friday after signing a six-year extension with the San Diego Padres that will see him at the club through the 2028 season when he turns 42.
The 36-year-old right-hander's new deal is worth a reported $108 million, according to MLB.com, and the Osaka native said it left him overwhelmed.
"Six years for someone my age is something unheard of. I'm honored. I felt a real sense of trust," Darvish, who was due to be a free agent at the end of the 2023 season, told a press conference.
"I was wondering if my time here was coming to an end soon, and (instead) I've been allowed to stay for a very long time."
"Part of me still can't believe it. The thought occurred to me that this (press conference) might be everyone playing a practical joke on me."
A five-time MLB All-Star, Darvish was the Padres' Opening Day starter last season and had a career year. He led the team in wins by going 16-8 with a 3.10 ERA in 30 starts before going 2-1 in the postseason.
"I don't know how long I can carry on, but I want to take each day properly," he said. "I believe everyone has signed with that (the title) in mind, and I want to be part of it."
"I might not be any good in the final three or four years. It's important to do good work on the field like I did last year, without thinking too far ahead. I'll gracefully walk away when I'm no longer good enough."
Darvish moved to MLB in 2012 via the posting system from the Nippon Ham Fighters of Japan's Pacific League. He landed with the Texas Rangers, the high bidders for his negotiating rights.
At that time, Padres General Manager A.J. Preller was working for the Rangers and had scouted Darvish in Japan.
On Friday, Preller said it was important to lock in players of talent with the Padres for a long time, adding that Darvish has the kind of presence on a baseball field that superstar LeBron James, the NBA's all-time leading scorer, brings to a basketball court.
Darvish's next step with the Padres, however, will have to wait until after he joins Japan's national team for the March 8 to 21 World Baseball Classic.
"I'm really looking forward to it," he said of the tournament, where Japan aims to win its third title and its first since Darvish was the winning pitcher in the 2009 final.
"I'm looking forward to sharing many things I've learned in the United States, and especially at the Padres, with Japanese players and clubs."
