Clayton Kershaw pitched through a left shoulder injury during the second half of the 2023 season and underwent surgery three weeks after the Los Angeles Dodgers were eliminated from the National League Division Series.
On the surface, a pitcher of Kershaw’s age and career workload likely would retire upon needing to repair the glenohumeral ligaments and capsule in his throwing shoulder. However, the 35-year-old made it clear at the time of revealing the surgery that he intends to still pitch during the 2024 season.
Kershaw nevertheless faces a long road ahead and isn’t expected to be back on a mound until after the All-Star break. In the meantime, he’s arguably the most notable Dodgers free agent still on the open market.
During an appearance on “Dodger Talk” with host David Vassegh, Chris Taylor expressed his hope the Dodgers re-sign Kershaw, via AM 570 L.A. Sports Radio:
“I think Kersh is in a position where if he wants to, he can come back. We’re all hoping for that. A little different because he has some time. I don’t know if he’s going to use that time or make his decision earlier, but obviously we all hope to see him in Dodger Blue at the end of next season.”
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman has made it clear the team will re-sign Kershaw if he wants to return.
Kershaw previously re-signed with the Dodgers when he was a free agent after both the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
He recently said the rehab process from shoulder surgery had been going well and Kershaw spoke optimistically of his outlook for 2024.
When will Clayton Kershaw sign?
With retirement seemingly ruled out, the expectation remains Kershaw will either re-sign with the Dodgers or join his hometown Texas Rangers, who have long had interest in the future Hall of Famer.
Considering the start of Spring Training is roughly one month away, it’s plausible Kershaw does not sign with a team until that point in order to immediately go on the 60-day injured list and avoid taking up a spot on the 40-man roster for the time being.
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