Call to the pen
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Clayton Kershaw has unfinished business with Los Angeles Dodgers

By David Hill

Oct 12, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) after a strike out during the second inning of game two of the NLDS for the 2022 MLB Playoffs against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 12, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) after a strike out during the second inning of game two of the NLDS for the 2022 MLB Playoffs against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Los Angeles Dodgers will not need to wait for a decision from Clayton Kershaw this offseason.

He had been heavily courted by the Rangers during the 2021-22 offseason, with his hometown team pulling out all the stops to bring him on board. He ultimately decided to return to the Dodgers, eyeing a chance for another title. Despite the best record in the league, and a team record 111 wins, the Dodgers and Kershaw fell short in that quest for a title.

Clayton Kershaw looking for another ring with Los Angeles Dodgers

This leaves Kershaw and the Dodgers with some unfinished business. As such, it is not a surprise that he is returning to Los Angeles as he is set to sign another one year deal to stay with the Dodgers.

Kershaw may not be the ace he once was, and may not be able to take the ball every fifth day any longer, but he is still one of the better pitchers in the game. He had posted a 2.28 ERA and a 0.942 WHiP over his 126.1 innings, striking out 137 batters with 23 walks. It would certainly appear that he has plenty left in the tank when he is able to get on the mound.

It is now a matter of determining his legacy. While Kershaw has been one of the best regular season pitchers of his time, he and the Dodgers have not had that same success in the postseason. Despite reaching the playoffs in every year for the past decade, they have just one World Series championship to show for it – the pandemic shortened 2020 title. Whether or not that championship is considered legitimate is a matter of debate.

That is what Kershaw and the Dodgers are chasing. They can be considered a dynasty, but in the same way that the Braves of the 1990s and early 2000s were. Both teams may have dominated their division and found their way to the postseason every year, but they each have just that one title. Until then, both the Dodgers and Kershaw have unfinished business to take care of.

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Clayton Kershaw is heading back to the Los Angeles Dodgers on a one year deal. There is some unfinished business to take care of.

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