Dodgers: Clayton Kershaw Expects Young Guys and Veterans To Step Up This Season

We all know there's a big hole in leadership now but who's going to fill it?

If you're still mourning the loss of Trea Turner, JT, and Belli, it's okay. But also, have hope for the future of the Dodgers as there are still plenty of gems amongst the 2023 squad.

First and foremost, we got Clayton Kershaw back, probably one of the most crucial pieces to the LA pitching staff.

And with him comes great knowledge, wisdom, and experience. Each of his 14 seasons with the Dodgers has looked different with new and returning players. With that also comes different types of energies amongst the team.

Here's what Kershaw had to say on the change in energy for the 2023 season:

"I think it's gonna have to. I think there's gonna have to be some guys that need to step up in some leadership roles. I think there's gonna need to be some young guys that need to step up and perform well. And I think there's gonna need to be a lot of guys that need to step up, myself included. We'll figure that out over spring, hopefully."

This year, we know the Dodgers will likely rely heavily on the youth movement led by players such as Bobby Miller, Diego Cartaya, Miggy Vargas, James Outman, and Ryan Pages.

But we also have plenty of superstars returning such as Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Chris Taylor, and Will Smith who will need to coach up this next generation of Dodgers.

But additionally, the Dodgers also picked up some veteran talent in Noah Syndergaard, J.D. Martinez, Miguel Rojas, and Jason Heyward who range from eight to 13 years of experience playing in the MLB.

With 41 days left until Opening Day, the Dodgers still have time to figure out roles and expectations amongst the team.

The Dodgers' first Spring Training game of the year will take place on Feb. 24 then the World Baseball Classic will kick off in late March.

It'll be fun to see what the players have been working on this offseason and what this 2023 Dodgers squad will look like.