Clayton Kershaw Talks Coming to Texas Rangers

The Los Angeles Dodgers hurler is working his way back from injury and talking about the future, which he'll evaluate in the offseason.

Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw wants to keep playing as long as he continues to produce at a high level.

Before his latest injury, that’s just what he was doing. He was 10-4 with a league-leading 2.55 ERA and earned his 10th All-Star selection. When he returns from his injured shoulder sometime in August, he’ll help the Dodgers try to push for another World Series title.

He’s 35 years old and he’s won three Cy Young awards, though the last one was in 2014. He told USA Today this weekend that had the Dodgers won the World Series last season he might have retired then. Instead, he’ll wait until the offseason to decide if he wants to return in 2024.

He said that decision might take months, not weeks. Much of it will have to do with his health.

“I still love to play, but I have not been able to stay healthy for a full year," Kershaw said, “and that is the worst for me. You just feel like you’re not part of it. That’s hard for me too.”

Dave Roberts says the Dodgers are hoping to get Clayton Kershaw back "at the beginning of August" pic.twitter.com/m6ymYoG2Qc

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) July 14, 2023

When Kershaw signed his $20 million, one-year deal with the Dodgers, MLB.com reported that Kershaw would only entertain playing for two teams for the remainder of his career — the Dodgers and the Texas Rangers.

The USA Today piece didn’t address whether Kershaw would consider playing for the Rangers in 2024. He was asked, however, about the Rangers’ current management, which includes general manager Chris Young — who played at the same Highland Park High School that Kershaw did — and manager Bruce Bochy.

“I know CY (Young) wants to win and will do what it takes,’’ Kershaw said. “I know Boch a little bit. I know a lot of guys over there.

“But I also love being a Dodger."

The future Hall-of-Famer’s future is clearly in his hands — whether it’s in Los Angeles, Arlington, or retirement.

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You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard.

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