Dodgers News: Julio Urias Will Need to be the Anchor of Question Mark Filled Rotation
Depending on who you ask, your Los Angeles Dodgers will either reach the World Series for the eighth time in franchise history or their season will end in a dumpster fire. They lost some key rotational players in the offseason and injuries have plagued them as Spring Training comes to an end.
However, the one thing that does look very certain in 2023 is that Clayton Kershaw will officially pass the torch down to Julio Urias. A big step in this direction was already taken when Kershaw gave his blessing to his teammate to allow him to be the opening day pitcher.
With Urias just barely missing the All-Star game last season and possibly being up for a huge contract after this year, all eyes are on him to lead the team to greatness whenever he steps up to the mound. In ESPN's Jeff Passan's season preview, he paints the 26-year-old as one of the most important pieces on LA.
"With Clayton Kershaw nearing the end of his career, Dustin May coming back for his first full season post-Tommy John surgery, Tony Gonsolin starting the season on the IL and Noah Syndergaard hoping to recapture his past quality, the Dodgers' rotation is a question mark. Urias' import comes with added pressure: If he performs up to his standard, he could land a $250 million-plus contract as a 27-year-old free agent this winter."
(Via ESPN)
Urias has made it clear that he wants to be LA's pitcher of the future but also is looking to get his well-deserved payday. The Dodgers have a ton of young talent heading into 2023 and with Urias being one of the more seasoned LA players, his impact will have to go beyond just performing on the field.
There is bound to be hiccups as there is with any young team. If Urias wants to get paid the big bucks and be labeled a superstar, he will have to take on all the necessary leadership duties.
