Report: Darvish increasingly likely to sign this week

Yu Darvish may find a new home in time for spring training after all.

It's believed the right-hander is increasingly likely to sign this week, a source told Jon Morosi of MLB Network.

As many as six teams were reported to be in on Darvish in recent weeks - Milwaukee Brewers, New York Yankees, Texas Rangers, Chicago Cubs, Minnesota Twins, and Houston Astros - but it seems the market has shrunk since then. The Astros are presumably no longer in the bidding after acquiring Gerrit Cole, while the Yankees have been cautious of going over the luxury tax, something they'd most likely have to do to sign Darvish.

The 31-year-old is the top available free-agent starter and is more attractive than Jake Arrieta due to the fact he's not attached to draft-pick compensation. A four-time All-Star, Darvish went 10-12 with a 3.86 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 209 strikeouts in 186 2/3 innings last season. It's expected he'll command a long-term deal exceeding $100 million.