Why the Dodgers Need to Re-Sign Clayton Kershaw This Offseason
The Los Angeles Dodgers could still use one more pitcher for the back of their rotation. Future Hall of Famer and franchise icon Clayton Kershaw could certainly fit the role — not on Opening Day, but later this year when he expects to recover fully from offseason shoulder surgery.
Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain broke down why he believes the Dodgers need to re-sign Kershaw. Among his many points, Doug talks about Kershaw prior to the injury. The 36-year-old left-hander ranked among the best pitchers in all of baseball in many categories.
Setting aside the previous chapters of his storied Dodgers career, Kershaw represents an ideal target for president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman. Few teams can better integrate older pitchers on limited workloads into an established pitching staff.
This leads to Doug’s next point: Kershaw might want a two-year deal this time around. In recent offseasons, Kershaw has signed one-year deals so that he can weigh his playing future at season’s end. However, since he likely will not pitch until the middle of the summer, he may want assurance of a second year to pitch after a more normal offseason.
It seems the Dodgers are open to Kershaw returning to the club next year. In December, Friedman said he “absolutely” wants him back, and a recent report by The Athletic’s Jim Bowden backs up that sentiment.
Kershaw has earned the right to finish his career in Los Angeles. The team, and especially its young pitchers — would benefit greatly from having a franchise legend in the clubhouse this year. If the Dodgers do succeed in their ultimate goal of winning the World Series, Kershaw deserves to hoist a trophy and partake in a long-awaited parade.
Photo Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
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Yes, definitely without a doubt, you bring Kershaw back. First ballot Hall of Fame, and don’t be cheap with him either throw him some money!
Clayton has done well as a Dodger, he has had many great years. Yes, he’s in the late stages of his career, but he is Dodger blue through and through. If his asking price is reasonable, give it to him! Let him retire a Dodger! He’s earned that!
I now live in Vegas, but My heart is still Dodger Blue!
I think Kershaw would surprisingly make a good closer. He would only have to face a minimum of 3 hitters every few days; he’s a strike thrower and pitches ahead in the count; it’s a better role at his age than starting; he can add more value; closers don’t need to be flame throwers; Smoltz transitioned to a closer.
This is to Clayton Kershaw. You single handily renewed my love for baseball about 8 years ago. I always loved baseball but moved around the country a lot and was not able to watch the Dodgers regularly. But I moved back to Southern California and have become your biggest fan. So I beg you to continue to play the game AS A DODGER! It would kill me to see you in any other uniform. The best players don’t switch teams, like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Jackie Robinson and Sandy Koufax to name a few. I know you bleed Dodger Blue. Texas will be there when your playing days are over. But for now you are and always must be a DODGER and I’ll be watching you all season and at the World Series 2024. One more thing, give Will Smith a chance.
I hope they do, but I don’t see how they could justify signing him unless it’s so incredibly loaded with incentives they pay nothing if he doesn’t play.
Maybe he’ll come back in July, win 10 games and have a 2.2 era. Maybe he won’t be back at all. I dunno.
Clayton should retire as a Dodger. I remember how upset I was when the Dodgers sold Duke Snider to the Mets. He, too, should have finished his career as a Dodger. The truly great ones shouldn’t be disrespected by their team.
Sign him now, or at day 1 of the season and put him on the 60 day IR. The downside is minimal, the upside very high. Stupid to let him leave.
I love him, but hes a hard pass, hes badluck. Go another route.