Clayton Kershaw is a free agent for the third consecutive offseason, but with some added uncertainty this time around after undergoing surgery to repair the glenohumeral ligaments and capsule in his left shoulder.
Kershaw faces a prolonged recovery and won’t be ready in time for Opening Day of the 2024 season. The 35-year-old expressed a hope to return around the midway point of next year.
Prior to the operation, Kershaw figured to choose between re-signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers, joining his hometown Texas Rangers or retiring. However, some within the Dodgers organization reportedly grew to believe the 2023 season was going to be his last with the team.
Kiké Hernández, who is a free agent himself, predicted that Kershaw will re-sign with the Dodgers for 2024, via the “Foul Territory” show:
“I’m going to say he plays for the Dodgers. … I know the guy and I know he loves the game as much as anybody and it’s going to be hard to walk away. That’s just my guess, but anything can happen in this world.”
Kershaw re-signed with the Dodgers on a one-year contract in each of the past two offseasons. While the team could do the same this winter, L.A. is in need of two starting pitchers who can immediately contribute come Opening Day.
Kershaw went 13-5 with a 2.46 ERA and 1.06 WHIP this year. He missed six weeks due to an unspecified left shoulder injury that impacted his fastball velocity and command in the second half.
Kershaw ended the season with the worst start of his career in Game 1 of the National League Division Series, when he allowed six runs and recorded just one out before being removed in the first inning.
Despite the rough outing, manager Dave Roberts acknowledged that Kershaw would have started for the Dodgers in a potential Game 4.
When will Clayton Kershaw sign contract?
It remains to be seen when Kershaw will sign a new contract this offseason. He theoretically could delay such a decision while navigating the first couple months of the rehab process.
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