Clayton Kershaw has been the face of the Los Angeles Dodgers for the past decade, but his future with the club came into question after an interview with the Los Angeles Times reveled that he is not in talks with the Dodgers about another contract with his current three-year, $93 million extension up at season’s end. He even revealed that he wan’t sure if he waned one. Of course, seeing those words connected with the 3x Cy Young Award winner has sent fans in a frenzy.
Many people began to speculate if he was going to call it a career and ride off into the sunset. If he were to do so, he would be a sure lock Hall of Famer after what he’s accomplished in his career. However, Kershaw cleared things up with reporters on Sunday saying:
“I’m on a year-to-year basis. I wanna reevaluate at the end of every year and see how we’re doing–as a family, myself personally, where we are as a team–and then just make a decision from there. I have no intentions of hanging them up. I’m only 32. I feel like I have more years left in the tank.”
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Kershaw has always stressed how important his family is to him, and with his kids growing up and getting ready to enter into school, picking up and moving to LA may not be what he wants for them. This could possibly open up the scenario that the southpaw joins the Texas Rangers to finish his career. The Rangers play in Arlington which isn’t too far from his home in Dallas, making this scenario even more realistic.
Clayton Kershaw through the years at spring training:
2009 2011
2015 2020 pic.twitter.com/8zHMVCSso2— Dodgers Archive (@DodgersArchive) February 19, 2021
Despite that, Kershaw hasn’t ruled out a return to the only franchise he’s ever known.
“I love being here. love the Dodgers, I love everything about this organization. I just feel really fortunate that I’ve gotten to have as many opportunities as I’ve had to win a World Series, and now that we finally won one, you just don’t take that for granted. I really have enjoyed my time here and continue to do so.”
Andrew Friedman and the Dodgers will do everything they can to retain their homegrown star. It won’t be easy as Corey Seager will also be a free agent and will try to command a massive deal. Add in the fact that the Dodgers are projected to be over the luxury tax threshold again next season, and the team will have their hands full. Don’t let that fool you as Friedman may have more tricks up his sleeve to keep band going.
