The Future of Clayton Kershaw with the Los Angeles Dodgers: A Closer Look

Clayton Kershaw, one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history, continues to grapple with injury issues that have affected his playing time. This article delves into the future of Kershaw with the Dodgers, analyzing the current state of his season and the future outlook for both him and the team.

Clayton Kershaw's Performances and Recent Injuries

Clayton Kershaw's performance has remained commendable, although it has dropped from his peak years. A standout in the 2009-2016 era, Kershaw's current form aligns with the performance of most top starters in baseball today. He still contributes valuably, with a sub-3.00 ERA, 9 strikeouts per 9 innings, and a consistent 3.5 WAR. However, the issue lies in his ability to pitch frequently enough to compete at the elite level, a factor that has seen him miss significant starts in the last three seasons.

His 2020 season, affected by the pandemic, represented his last full year before he missed 9-10 starts due to shoulder issues. This resulted in him not starting 32 games since 2015. Kershaw's reliance on maintaining his performance as he ages underscores the challenges face by veteran pitchers in today's MLB.

Clayton Kershaw's Slated Position in the Dodgers' Rotation

Coming out of the 2022 season, the Dodgers had Kershaw as the no. 4 or 5 starter behind Walker Buehler, Tony Gonsolin, Tyler Chatwood, and Julio Urias. However, injuries and underperformance in the latter half of the season led to significant changes.

Buehler, who was sidelined by Tom Tommy John surgery (TJS), returned late in the season, but other starters struggled. Gonsolin's TJS recovery and underperformance meant that Kershaw had to step up and serve as the Dodgers' top starter once again. His return provided consistency and stability, but his own shoulder issues mean his availability for the 2023 season remains uncertain.

Rotation Questions for the 2023 Season

The Dodgers' rotation is facing significant uncertainties heading into the 2023 season. Walker Buehler will be their top option, but second-year players Miller, Grove, Sheehan, and Stone will form the core of what's left. The use of "openers" will likely continue. Adding Justin Upton or Mike Trout in the Ohtani sweepstakes would provide some flexibility, but their specific roles would still need to be defined.

Even if they sign a well-known veteran such as Blake Snell or Aaron Nola, Kershaw would be the default no. 2 starter unless the Dodgers decide to keep him. His position is such that he could be the fallback option, particularly if he returns after his shoulder surgery.

Kershaw's Contract and Possible Future

With Kershaw's contract set to expire at the end of the season, it's uncertain whether the Dodgers will retain him. They currently have an abundance of young, major league-ready pitchers. If Kershaw's performance in the 2023 season is insufficient, he might find himself pitching for the Texas Rangers, given his roots and the team's interest in him.

Clayton Kershaw's future with the Dodgers is now in question, with the team focusing on younger talent and strategic roster moves. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how these factors play out in the coming months.

Key Takeaways:

Clayton Kershaw's performance has been admirable, but injury issues have affected his playing time significantly. The Dodgers' rotation is facing uncertainties with significant injuries and underperformance in recent seasons. Whether Kershaw remains with the Dodgers in 2023 depends on his performance and the team's strategic decisions. The Texas Rangers' interest in Kershaw could mean a return to his home state if he's not retained by the Dodgers.