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April 3, 2023: The Great Free Agent Pitcher Standoff enters its sixth season

The year is 2022. Yu Darvish has just left a meeting with the Cubs' GM. Darvish has not pitched since 2017, as it turns out, he just enjoys dining with executives.

— Cubs Ghost (@realtweetghost) January 4, 2018

WRIGLEY FIELD, Monday, April 3, 2023 — The sixth season of the Great Free Agent Pitcher Standoff began with Kyle Hendricks on the mound for the home opener for the defending World Series champion Cubs.

While Hendricks, Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Bryce Harper and the rest of the Cubs were set to begin the season against the crosstown White Sox, 37-year-old Jake Arrieta, 37-year-old Yu Darvish and 35-year-old Alex Cobb remained resolute.