Darvish remains under contract with San Diego through the 2028 season on a six-year, $108 million extension signed in February 2023. Even after his return, the Padres will still be responsible for two more years of the deal, raising questions about its long-term value.

The New York Mets have been discussing a deal with the San Diego Padres as they try to revamp their pitching staff, with the primary names including reliever Mason Miller and starter Nick Pivetta.