
The Texas Rangers should sign hometown hero Clayton Kershaw
MLB Trade Rumors has Kershaw ranked as the number 33 free agent heading into the 2021-22 offseason. While they bring up a great point in questioning Kershaw’s injuries this past season (missing more than two months due to a forearm injury and then re-aggravating it in his final start of the regular season), I believe a multi-year contract is certainly in the cards for the legendary lefty.
Throughout the entirety of the offseason so far, Clayton Kershaw has been favored by all to re-sign with the Dodgers. After all, he is a sure-fire Hall of Famer and will absolutely wear a Dodgers cap when inducted and had one of the most dominant 14-year stretches in MLB history with the club.
Meanwhile, the Rangers have been quietly lurking in the background since the start. Kershaw, 34 in March, is from Dallas and could look to spend the final years of his career in a Rangers uniform. When you think about it, it’s really not as crazy of an idea as it may initially sound.
Kershaw is coming up on 34, but has not shown any signs of regression that are worth being concerned about. Last season saw the lefty put up his highest ERA since his rookie season in 2008 but, even then, that number is just 3.55, an ERA that many pitchers in today’s game would happily take. Kershaw put up a 10.7 SO/9, his highest since 2016 and walked just 21 batters in 121 innings, on par with previous career totals. His 2.4 WAR, 3.00 FIP, and 1.019 WHIP continued to be numbers that are above-average as well.
Once the lockout is lifted, free agents will have the opportunity to throw for teams and Kershaw’s showing is sure to be one of the more intriguing showcases in the league. After his injuries last season, interested clubs are surely going to keep a close eye on how his arm responds to any sort of throwing at full speed.
The Texas Rangers and Clayton Kershaw are a match made in heaven. The Dallas native lives in the area over the offseason and would shake up the baseball world if he chose a destination other than the Dodgers. If the Rangers truly intend to go for it, bringing this Hall of Famer aboard would be a great move to make. Bring the man home!