Clayton Kershaw Addresses Dodgers, Rangers Sized Elephant in the Room This Coming Offseason

It’s very rare when a player spends their entire career with one team, especially in today’s era of sports. With the amount of money being thrown around and more of a player empowerment feel to the leagues, it’s just the reality. So, when you see a star level player actually do it, it’s just that much more impressive.

For the Dodgers, their player is Clayton Kershaw, who has been with the team for his entire future Hall of Fame career. But it hasn’t been for the lack of trying from others on the outside. Over the last couple of seasons, Kershaw has only signed one-year deals with the Dodgers to maintain flexibility for his potential retirement. But with that has come the thought that he could depart from LA and head to Texas to play for his hometown Texas Rangers.

So far Kershaw has fended off the urge to do so but with the Rangers now looking like a contending team, he may not be able to do so much longer if he continues to play baseball. He addressed the Rangers’ situation for this coming offseason.

“I know CY [Chris Young] wants to win, and will do what it takes,’’ Kershaw said. “I know Boch (manager Bruce Bochy) a little bit. I know a lot of guys over there. 

Per USA Today

This quote from Kershaw could give Dodger fans some doubt about his future with the boys in blue. Kershaw has every right to do what is best for him and his family, even if that means going to play a season or two with Texas. But fear not because he followed these words up with something that could ease the fear of him leaving.

“But I also love being a Dodger.”

Kershaw has a chance to finish his career with the team that it started with and that means something. He is a fan of the game himself so even he knows how special that would be.

No matter where he goes or what team he plays for, his career could be coming to an end soon. He has contemplated retirement for a little bit of time now and even confirmed that next season isn’t guaranteed either.

“I have four kids, a wife, I have to many factors when it comes to baseball,” Kershaw says. “I don’t want to diminish how much I like playing here, but I’m at a point where I have to take everything in consideration. I’m weighing a lot of factors. It might take a few months after the season to make a decision.”

Per USA Today

We all hope that Kershaw can finish his career with the Dodgers. It would be the final bow on top of a legendary career for him and the fans. LA will do what it takes to retain him as they’ve signaled so previously. But ultimately it’s up to Kershaw what he wants to do and everyone will respect the decision no matter what it is, he’s more than earned that.

Photo Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

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