In the realm of MLB offseason chatter, the Texas Rangers’ ongoing discussions with Clayton Kershaw have become a recurring theme for the last three years. Kershaw, a native of Dallas, Texas, has spent the entirety of his 17-year MLB career donning the Los Angeles Dodgers uniform, establishing himself as a frontrunner for the Hall of Fame. Despite his loyalty to the Dodgers, the lure of playing closer to home has made the Rangers a tantalizing option for the veteran pitcher.
Drafted seventh overall by the Dodgers in 2006, the 36-year-old left-handed pitcher has had a storied career, notching an impressive 76.8 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), 2,944 strikeouts, three Cy Young awards, and the National League MVP title in 2014. His journey from Highland Park High School in Dallas, where he excelled in both baseball and football, to MLB stardom is a testament to his talent and work ethic.
Recent years, however, have seen Kershaw grappling with injuries, limiting his ability to maintain the consistency that once defined his career. Since 2019, the pitcher has struggled to make more than 25 starts in a season, hampered by a series of setbacks that have reduced his on-field presence.
Adding to his distress, Kershaw is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury, a repeat of a condition that necessitated surgery in the offseason. This development casts a shadow over his future, especially as his last two playoff appearances were marred by performances that led to the Dodgers’ elimination.
For the Rangers, who have faced their own share of injuries among their pitching staff, including the likes of Max Scherzer, Jacob Degrom, and Tyler Mahle, the possibility of adding Kershaw might have once been enticing. Yet, his recent health issues and the financial implications of adding another high-earning player on recovery duty have likely made this prospect less appealing.
As Kershaw potentially approaches his final season, the hope for a notable comeback remains alive, both for him and his supporters. However, the Dodgers, with aspirations of contending for the title next year, may have to navigate the 2024 season without counting on his contributions. Meanwhile, the Rangers are perhaps breathing a sigh of relief, grateful to sidestep the uncertainties that come with signing an injured star player.
