Darvish unlikely to opt out: 'My kids and my wife love Chicago'

Chicago Cubs right-hander Yu Darvish says he's unlikely to opt out of his contract after the 2019 campaign.

"I haven't decided yet," Darvish said Friday, according to Jordan Bastian of MLB.com. "I have to talk to my family and agent, too. My kids and my wife love Chicago, especially the kids.

"They only care about the Cubbies. So, I don't think (I will opt out)."

Darvish signed a six-year, $126-million contract with the Cubs as a free agent prior to the 2018 season. If he doesn't decide to test free agency again, he'll remain under contract through 2023.

The four-time All-Star has impressed in the second half of the season as he's seen his 4.72 ERA on July 12 drop to 3.98. He's hoping his good form will carry over into 2020.

"Looking forward to next season, for sure," Darvish said, according to Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune. "But at the same time, a little worried about next season because if I lose this feeling in the first couple months, (my struggles are) going to happen again. I want to start catch earlier than usual."

Darvish, who has 39 strikeouts over his last 21 1/3 innings, hasn't been able to replicate the same numbers with Chicago that he put up as a member of the Rangers. The 32-year-old has a 4.31 FIP in 39 starts with the Cubs but accrued a 3.30 mark in 122 contests with Texas.