Padres' Yu Darvish set to miss 2026 season after being placed on the restricted list

Oct 2, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Yu Darvish (11) throws during the first inning against the Chicago Cubs during game three of the Wildcard round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Wrigley Field. SAN DIEGO -- Padres right-hander Yu Darvish was placed on the restricted list on Wednesday as the team announced its 26-man opening day roster. Darvish, who is currently recovering from right elbow surgery, will be forced to miss the 2026 season.

With three years remaining on his contract and retirement still unknown, it doesn't seem very likely if he'll attempt to make a return to the team. Back in October, Darvish underwent UCL repair with an internal brace procedure on his right elbow, which sparked the conversation of a potential retirement but the rumors were quickly refuted by the 39-year-old. "You may have seen an article, and although I am leaning towards voiding the contract, there's still a lot that has to be talked over with the Padres so the finer details are yet to be decided," Darvish said.

"Also I will not be announcing my retirement yet. " "Right now, I am fully focused on my rehab for my elbow, and if I get to a point where I can throw again, I will start from scratch again to compete. If once I get to that point I feel I can't do that, I will announce my retirement.

" You may have seen an article, and although I am leaning towards voiding the contract, there’s still a lot that has to be talked over with the Padres so the finer details are yet to be decided. Also I will not be announcing my retirement yet. Right now I am fully focused on my… — ダルビッシュ有(Yu Darvish) (@faridyu) January 24, 2026 Despite the Padres avoiding Darvish's slated $15 million salary in 2026, players that are placed on the restricted list remain under contract and are unavailable for various reasons and are subject to MLB's approval.