Max Muncy on Clayton Kershaw: 'It Honestly Wouldn't Feel Right Not Having Him' on Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers loaded up with free-agent talent this offseason but there was one pitcher who they didn't want to see in another team's uniform.
Clayton Kershaw has agreed to come back to the Dodgers in 2024 and has a player option for 2025. It will be his 17th and 18th seasons with Los Angeles.
His longtime teammate, Max Muncy, joined the "Foul Territory" podcast on Wednesday and discussed the rollercoaster of emotions surrounding Kershaw's offseason.
Kershaw is recovering from surgery in November to repair the capsule and glenohumeral ligaments in his shoulder. He is hoping to return at some point this summer.
When news broke on Tuesday that Kershaw was returning to the Dodgers, Muncy was elated.
"I was pumped when I found out he was coming back. He's obviously one of the best left-handed pitchers of all time. He's an unbelievable teammate, unbelievable competitor. It honestly wouldn't feel right not having him here."
Kershaw has been a Dodger his entire professional career. The Dodgers can practically begin carving his center field statue. For now, they can hope he'll be in uniform for another two seasons.
"There's certain guys out there that only need to be wearing one uniform, and he's definitely one of those. He doesn't need to have another uniform ever on."
Last season, Kershaw had a 2.46 ERA in 131.2 innings and earned 13 wins — his most since 2019. His season ended with a disastrous performance in the 2023 National League Division Series; Kershaw recorded only one out in Game 1, which the Dodgers lost en route to a three-game sweep at the hands of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
A more fitting ending was always in store. Soon, it will be official.
