Dodgers News: Max Muncy Tiptoes Around Question About Clayton Kershaw’s Future
With the Dodgers now about a week removed from another early postseason exit, the questions about what happened are beginning to give way to what comes next for LA. It’s tough to sit and look at a 100-win ballclub and feel like there’s so much wrong with this team. But, as the end of the regular season gets further in the rearview mirror, finding the issues becomes easier.
Pitching. Offensive mindset. Some roster construction.
All of that stuff we’ll continue to dig into over the coming weeks, but for right now, we’re focusing on two things. The 2024 season and where Clayton Kershaw fits in it for the Los Angeles Dodgers. LA Third baseman Max Muncy was asked his thoughts about Kersh and if he perhaps knew anything about his thinking this offseason. To his credit, if Muncy knew anything, he wasn’t telling the guys on Foul Territory Live.
Max treaded lightly when responding, tiptoeing around the question to the best of his ability.
“Yeah, it’s tough for me to speak on [Kershaw’s plan]. I’ll say this, if he feels like he can still go out there and compete, he’s probably going to compete. If he feels like he can’t get it done then that might be it. I don’t know where he’s feeling. I definitely feel like he can still get it done and I know that there’s a lot of people out there that can still get it done. But that’s obviously his decision to make.”
Via Foul Territory Show on YouTube
Pure speculation with this thought here, but it certainly looked like Muncy had more of an idea than he led on. Kershaw and Muncy have been teammates on the Dodgers now for seven seasons and have fought more than enough battles together to have a feel for one another’s thinking.
Certainly, if Kershaw was going to retire, his teammates would be the first to know. And Muncy would be smart enough and pro enough to hold that decision close to the vest. Adding more speculation for the fun of it, there was a moment in Kershaw’s post-Game 3 interview where it seemed like he maybe might have shared some information with reporters before reverting back to “not sure” on repeat.
By traditional numbers, Kershaw was still getting it done as he always does after returning from a long hiatus on the injured list this season. But the advanced stats were far less kind to the ace. So, yes, Clayton can still compete, as Muncy put it. But will he want to do it with significantly diminished stuff?
The future Hall of Famer has always maintained that he’d rather go out a little too early than hang around too long in this game. Depending on the state of his shoulder, Clayton might have another season in the tank — maybe two more if he’s digging deep. Three if he’s lucky. But the mileage and innings have seemingly caught up to him at age 35.
Maybe Clayton Kershaw Should Move on From LA?
One question I wonder for Kershaw after another early postseason exit is, would he even want to come back to LA for one more try? After last October’s NLDS exit, it felt like there was unfinished business for this team. After this one, it feels like there’s a need for more change.
On Tuesday afternoon, Andrew Friedman and Brandon Gomes will be available to local media where we’re certain to get even more questions on Clayton and his future with the organization.
Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
