After debating retirement and considering signing with the Texas Rangers last offseason, Clayton Kershaw ultimately made the decision to re-sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers on a one-year contract.
Although the Dodgers fell short of their goal to win the World Series, their 2022 season was still one for the record books and Kershaw had another stellar season. He was also finally able to start the All-Star Game for the first time in his career, which came at Dodger Stadium to make the occasion even more special.
But with their season now over, Kershaw took a moment to reflect on their season and noted he was grateful for another year as a member of the Dodgers, via his oInstagram account:
The left-hander was among the best pitchers in baseball when healthy, going 12-3 with a 2.28 ERA, 2.57 FIP and 0.94 WHIP in 126.1 innings (22 starts). Kershaw also made one start, going five innings and giving up three runs, in the National League Division Series after missing the entire 2021 postseason.
Kershaw now enters free agency for the second consecutive season and the Dodgers are hopeful to keep him in the organization, but he will likely have multiple suitors, including his hometown Rangers, who he considered joining in the last offseason.
Clayton Kershaw leaning toward playing in 2023
Last month, Kershaw revealed he is leaning toward returning for his 16th season in 2023, but he didn’t totally shut the retirement. The 34-year-old then reiterated that stance after the Dodgers were eliminated by the Padres.
“Yeah, I think so. No buts. I think so. We’ll see what happens,” Kershaw said after the Game 4 loss. “Going home and being a full-time dad changes your perspective on things, but as of right now, I would say I’ll play again.”
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