Dodgers News: Rangers Continuing to Pursue Clayton Kershaw
The Texas Rangers are continuing to pursue Dodgers free agent LHP Clayton Kershaw this offseason. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that despite having three pitchers likely out until the second half of the 2024 season, the Rangers are still interested in adding Kershaw.
The longtime Dodgers pitcher announced at the beginning of the offseason that he underwent surgery in his shoulder to repair the glenohumeral ligaments, and that he was targeting a late-season return.
He recently confirmed that he expects to return next season, but doesn’t yet know for which team.
The last few offseasons, Kershaw has had to decide between retiring, returning to the Dodgers or playing for his hometown Rangers.
He’s continued to choose the Dodgers up until this point, but this offseason brings more questions.
With his surgery leaving him out until the second half of the season, he may prefer to just play with his hometown team in Texas.
On the flip side, Kershaw has spent his entire 16-year career in Los Angeles, and it’s hard to imagine him anywhere else.
While the Rangers are the defending World Series champions, the Dodgers are building a team that should be the favorite to win it all in 2024.
Kershaw has accomplished everything there is to accomplish on a baseball field in his storied career, but the one thing he is missing is a full-season World Series trophy.
Which team gives him a better chance to win in 2024 is something he’ll have to ponder.
Clayton Kershaw’s Teammates Want Him Back
For what it’s worth, two Dodgers pitchers want to see Kershaw return in 2024.
Tyler Glasnow told our own Doug McKain that he wants his childhood favorite player to be his teammate in 2024.
Additionally, Walker Buehler responded to our post on X/Twitter regarding the Rangers having interest in Kershaw with a resounding “NO!”
There’s no timetable for when Kershaw has to decide, but everyone in Los Angeles seems to be anxiously awaiting his decision.
Photo Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
If the Rangers had any class, they would simply tell Kershaw they are interested. Then, If he decides he wants to play the 2024 season close to home, and not finish his entire career as a lifetime Dodger, just let them know. Something will be worked out.
I sincerely doubt any part of his decision will be based on money.
I just can’t see Kershaw going to another team. I don’t think he would do that at this pt.
Kershaw is destined to lead these Dodgers to at least 3 WS titles in a row
True Dodger fans will support Kershaw in whatever he decides to do. It would interesting to see him pitch against the Dodgers in a WS, but I really hope he stays and wins a few more WS as a Dodger.