Yahoo! Sports' Jeff Passan reports that Yu Darvish's preference for a five-year deal and the Rangers' desire for a six-year contract is "the greatest sticking point" in negotiations between the two sides.
Players usually want as long of a deal as possible, but Darvish thinks he'll already be getting less than market value and wants to reach free agency a year earlier. Passan thinks the Rangers will have to sweeten their offer if they want Darvish to agree to a six-year pact. The two sides have until Wednesday at 5 p.m. ET to reach a deal. Most expect them to eventually iron something out.