Clayton Kershaw Remains Option for Texas Rangers, Dodgers
Does the door remains open for the Clayton Kershaw joining his hometown Texas Rangers?
Yes, it appears so. At least in theory.
If the free agent plays anywhere another than the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Rangers are the obvious choice. Kershaw has said as much on multiple occasions.
The Dallas native makes his offseason home in the area and attended the same high school (Highland Park) as Rangers general manager Chris Young. Coming home makes a lot of sense.
Clouding the situation is Kershaw’s health. The three-time Cy Young winner continues to rehab from offseason left shoulder surgery and is expected to miss a considerable part of the season.
The Dodgers, less than a week from pitchers and catchers reporting for spring training, have stayed in contact with Kershaw’s camp, but nothing has been finalized for 2024.
It doesn’t appear as if much movement is happening with either the Dodgers or Rangers, according to a report on MLB.com.
As has been the case over the last few winters, Kershaw’s free agent decision will come down to the Dodgers – the only organization he has ever played for – or the Rangers, who would allow him to stay at his Dallas-area home year-round.
Up to this point, there hasn’t appeared to be much traction between the Rangers and the left-hander. Kershaw won’t be able to pitch in the Majors until at least August. The Rangers already have a handful of starters who will be sidelined to start the season.
Kershaw coming to Texas would give the defending World Series champions quite an impressive rotation … on the injured list. Max Scherzer, Jacob deGrom and Tyler Mahle are all likely out past midseason rehabbing injuries. Kershaw would add to the list.
The Rangers could use another healthy starter to help carry the burden being placed on veterans Nathan Eovaldi and Jon Gray. Dane Dunning, Andrew Heaney and Cody Bradford currently slot as the other probable pieces in the rotation.
Free agent Jordan Montgomery remains the top target for finishing out the rotation, but the Scott Boras client appears to be weighing his options carefully. If the Montgomery pursuit falls through, perhaps the Rangers finally consummate long-rumored union with Kershaw.
You can follow Art Garcia on X @ArtGarcia92.
Catch up with Inside the Rangers on Facebook and X.
