Los Angeles Dodgers: It’s Time to Talk About Clayton Kershaw

It’s something that Dodgers fans find difficult to even think about, but with the offseason getting closer and closer, it’s time to talk about Clayton Kershaw.

Let’s start with the facts. Clayton Kershaw is the Dodgers ace. They play better with him. He is the face of the franchise. He has an opt-out after this season. All he has to do is say the words, and he will no longer be a Los Angeles Dodger.

Scary, I know.

Kershaw, should he decide not to opt-out and stay with LA, will make roughly $34.5 million in 2019 and $35.5 million in 2020, and will then become a free agent. By waiting until 2020, Kershaw would join a free agent class amongst players like Justin Verlander, Madison Bumgarner, Chris Sale, and Rich Hill.

This may be wishful thinking, but I don’t think Kershaw is going to opt-out after this season. The only way he would do it is if the Dodgers win the World Series, and maybe not even then. He wants to win the World Series, and he wants to do it with LA. They got oh close last year, and I don’t see how that feeling of loss, that feeling of defeat, just goes away.

Kershaw is bound to get the massive contract he deserves. It’s unlikely that the Dodgers will re-sign Machado, with Seager on the mend, and if any player is worth going over the luxury tax for, it’s Kersh.

Frankly, I think the Dodgers should do whatever it takes to keep Kershaw in Dodger Blue for his entire career.

He’s pitched a no-hitter in Dodger Blue, he’s won a pennant in Dodger Blue. And then, there’s this:

That said, we have to observe the alternatives. What if he leaves LA? And if he does, where would he go? The Yankees are a potential destination, as are the Red Sox. The Rangers, though, are probably the most likely non-LA team to land the Dodgers’ ace, as he is from the Dallas area.

Looking ahead, I really don’t see Kershaw playing anywhere but LA. Again, maybe that’s just me being hopeful and not wanting to think about a rotation without him. If the Dodgers are going to win the World Series in the years leading up to a new decade, Kershaw has got to be there.

As expected, Kershaw isn’t talking about this offseason. He’s focussed on the 2018 season that still roars on, and though we Dodgers fans are all searching for answers, maybe it’s better that we wait to find them.