Dodgers News: Clayton Kershaw's Offseason Thinking Revealed, Shoulder May Play a Role in Potential Retirement
Dodgers future Hall-of-Fame pitcher Clayton Kershaw has a big decision to make this offseason once again. He has mulled retirement the last few years, signing multiple one-year deals to maintain flexibility for himself.
However, it seems that the decision by Kershaw won’t be as simple as it was last offseason. He likely felt there was some unfinished business a year ago, but now he needs to figure out exactly what he wants to do.
“A year ago, after the 111-win Dodgers crashed out early in the postseason, Kershaw opted to come back to Los Angeles after only a few days of discussion with his wife Ellen. This year he will take longer to decide. He indicated he was unlikely to engage in serious contemplation about his future for several weeks.”
Kershaw dealt with a nagging shoulder injury down the stretch of the season, and it hampered his performance. He doesn’t know if the shoulder will need surgery during the winter, and that could play into what he decides to do for 2024.
“He is considering undergoing an additional examination on his left shoulder, which he injured in late June. The shoulder condition, which Kershaw has declined to specify, led to reduced fastball velocity and diminished command in the final months of the season.”
Kershaw likely doesn’t want to spend the offseason rehabbing, especially at his age. He wants to use the winter to spend time with his family, so it could be a complicated situation.
The hope is that the veteran decides to return in 2024. He is a valuable member of this Dodgers team, and he would be welcomed back with open arms.
Kershaw deserves the chance to go out on a high note, and his performance in the postseason was awful to see. Even if 2024 is his final year, the Dodgers fans are hoping he decides to give it one more go.
