As the offseason gets going for the Dodgers, one of the biggest storylines around the team is what will happen with future Hall-of-Fame pitcher Clayton Kershaw. He has flirted with retirement in the past, and while he did have a solid year, his postseason appearance left much to desire.
Kershaw couldn’t even get himself out of the first inning of the team’s NLDS game, and he entered the offseason with a shoulder injury. It remains to be seen what he will do this offseason, but one former teammate doesn’t see him hanging it up just yet.
DodgersNation.com’s Doug McKain spoke with SportsNet LA analyst Jerry Hairston Jr. about the Dodgers season, and Hairston Jr. seems to believe that Clayton Kershaw will be back for another season. You can see the entire segment here!
“I know Clayton… but I don’t know [his plan]. That’s the God’s honest truth. If I were a betting man, I’d say he’s gonna be back. I think he has to give it one more chance.”
Per Jerry Hairston Jr. via The DodgersNation YouTube Channel
If Hairston Jr. is correct, then Kershaw would have to choose between the Dodgers and possibly the Texas Rangers. With Texas making it to the World Series this season, they now have become an attractive option for him to consider.
While it would hurt to see Kershaw wearing another uniform, fans would support his decision to take his talents to his hometown. He has done so much for this Dodgers organization, and he has earned the right to choose his fate.
If Kershaw does return to the Dodgers, it would likely be in a different role. He isn’t the top-line starter any longer, and Hairston Jr. alluded to that as well.
“I want to see Clayton Kershaw in the role that Greg Maddux [had at the end of his career]. A fourth starter. Veteran guy who could be there, add value, and help the young guys out. But also, when you need a quality start, he’s there. We can’t ask Clayton Kershaw to be a number one starter because he’s not that guy anymore. And that’s ok, he shouldn’t be that guy anymore. He’s done so much.”
Per Jerry Hairston Jr. via The DodgersNation YouTube Channel
If Kershaw does return to the team next season, it would be a welcomed sight for all. He has been a valuable part of the organization since he arrived in the big leagues, and he deserves to go out in a better way.
“For that to be his last time on the mound, I just can’t picture that.”
Per Doug McKain via The DodgersNation YouTube Channel
The last image of Kershaw sitting in the dugout after another poor postseason performance would be a tough view to swallow for fans. The hope is that he can return next season, and just maybe the team can send him off with another World Series victory.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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