The Los Angeles Dodgers could still use one more pitcher for the back of their rotation. Future Hall of Famer and franchise icon Clayton Kershaw could certainly fit the role — not on Opening Day, but later this year when he expects to recover fully from offseason shoulder surgery.
Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain broke down why he believes the Dodgers need to re-sign Kershaw. Among his many points, Doug talks about Kershaw prior to the injury. The 36-year-old left-hander ranked among the best pitchers in all of baseball in many categories.
Setting aside the previous chapters of his storied Dodgers career, Kershaw represents an ideal target for president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman. Few teams can better integrate older pitchers on limited workloads into an established pitching staff.
This leads to Doug’s next point: Kershaw might want a two-year deal this time around. In recent offseasons, Kershaw has signed one-year deals so that he can weigh his playing future at season’s end. However, since he likely will not pitch until the middle of the summer, he may want assurance of a second year to pitch after a more normal offseason.
It seems the Dodgers are open to Kershaw returning to the club next year. In December, Friedman said he “absolutely” wants him back, and a recent report by The Athletic’s Jim Bowden backs up that sentiment.
Kershaw has earned the right to finish his career in Los Angeles. The team, and especially its young pitchers — would benefit greatly from having a franchise legend in the clubhouse this year. If the Dodgers do succeed in their ultimate goal of winning the World Series, Kershaw deserves to hoist a trophy and partake in a long-awaited parade.
Photo Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
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