Los Angeles Dodgers need Clayton Kershaw more than he needs them
The Los Angeles Dodgers are in a difficult spot when it comes to Clayton Kershaw. While the general expectation is that he will return to the only franchise he has ever known, Kershaw does have options. The Rangers are looking to add the Dodgers’ legend to their rotation, not only bringing Kershaw closer to his home, but also adding legitimacy to their attempts to break out of their rebuilding process.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers rotation has taken several hits. Max Scherzer has already left, signing with the Mets. Trevor Bauer‘s status is up in the air and will not be resolved until the league finishes its investigation. Both pitchers are top of the rotation starters, the types of arms that are difficult to replace.
Los Angeles Dodgers need to find way to bring Clayton Kershaw back
As it currently stands, the Dodgers depth chart lists Walker Buehler, Julio Urias, and Tony Gonsolin as their rotation. Gonsolin is hardly a given to remain in that role, especially as he struggles to last beyond three or four innings each time out. Buehler and Urias have the potential to be top of the rotation arms, but both could use another year or two without that pressure.
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While Kershaw is not the ace he had been and has battled injury woes, he is still a solid pitcher. He posted a 3.55 ERA and a 1.019 WHiP in his 121.2 innings, striking out 144 batters with 21 walks. His absence during the postseason may have been the difference in the Dodgers falling short in the NLCS.
The Dodgers are a team that is very cognizant of their history. Kershaw, based on bWAR, is the greatest player in franchise history, his 71.9 bWAR currently 3.4 points ahead of Pee Wee Reese. Kershaw is the type of player that should remain with one team throughout his career.
History is not the only reason for the Dodgers to bring Kershaw back. He is still a top of the rotation arm, someone that the franchise believes in. His presence would allow Buehler and Urias to be the second and third starters depending on Bauer’s availability. If the Dodgers fail to bring Kershaw back, they will have to count on a young, and mostly unproven, rotation in their quest for another championship.
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Clayton Kershaw has plenty of options this offseason. The Los Angeles Dodgers need to find a way to bring him back no matter what.