The 39-year-old right-hander, who holds the record for the most strikeouts in MLB by a Japanese pitcher, revealed the injury news in a post on social media.
"Last Wednesday, I underwent elbow surgery ... I will not be able to pitch in games during the 2026 season," Darvish wrote. "I will work hard on my rehabilitation to be able to throw a ball comfortably again."
Darvish said he had also had an internal brace fitted to his ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow.
Darvish, a five-time All-Star, moved to the major leagues in 2012, beginning his career with the Texas Rangers.
He spent subsequent stints with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs before joining the Padres in 2021.
