MESA, Ariz. — Catcher Willson Contreras will need a special set of signs to signal Yu Darvish.

That’s because the Cubs have no plans to restrict Darvish’s array of pitches.

“You’re going to see more of a complete version of what he has been in the past, using more of his weaponry,” manager Joe Maddon said Thursday after Darvish threw his first bullpen session with the Cubs to Contreras.

“We’re not going to dictate how to pitch, pitch usage (or how he’ll be) incorporating the variety he already does have. We’ll leave him alone, let him pitch and watch it, talk about it. But we’re not following the plan he (had) with the Dodgers (after his trade July 31).”

Maddon was aware of a reporter’s question regarding reports the Dodgers wanted Darvish to become more selective.

“We really want him to be him,” Maddon said, adding that he and his staff will continue to solicit input from Darvish.

Starting at the top?Maddon believes his pitching staff, and his rotation in particular, could be his best since taking over as Cubs manager in 2015.

“We’ve had some good (rotations), and I think this one — one through five — has a chance to exceed what has happened the last three years,” Maddon said. “Beyond that, the depth and talent in the bullpen is really impressive.”

The lowest ERA for a Cubs rotation under Maddon was 2.96 in 2016 — when the team went on to win the World Series.

Maddon also liked his bullpen’s ability to match up well against right-handed and left-handed hitters, no matter from which side the relievers throw.

“It’s a very interesting group,” Maddon said. “But one through 13, yeah, it might be the most talented group we’ve had out there.”

What a relief: The Cubs are leaning toward carrying 13 pitchers and 12 position players because of the depth of their bullpen and versatility of their position players. In addition, Maddon prefers to ease his starting pitchers into a regular season.

If the Cubs carry two catchers, it could mean that Ian Happ, Tommy La Stella and Peter Bourjos will compete for two spots.