Clayton Kershaw (35), who became an FA after the end of last year’s season, had three choices. He retired from active duty, stayed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and transferred to the Texas Rangers. Whenever he became an FA after one year’s contract was over, he made the same prediction about Kershaw’s future, but the conclusion was that he accompanied the Dodgers every time.
Again, Kershaw’s choice was no different. U.S. media, including the LA Times, reported on the 7th (Korea time) that Kershaw agreed to a new contract with the Dodgers. The contract is expected to be announced on the 9th, when the injured list will be listed on the 60th with a one-plus-one-year contract that includes player options in 2025. Kershaw is rehabilitating from surgery to repair the left shoulder scapula, upper arm ligament and joint sac after completing last year’s season, making it difficult for him to take the mound in the first half.
Kershaw announced his surgery on his social media on Nov. 4 last year, saying, “I hope I can return sometime next summer,” quelling rumors about his retirement. As Kershaw decided to extend his active duty, people were interested in which team he would play. However, while the Dodgers was recruiting top-rated players including Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Tyler Glasnow, Kershaw was pushed to the back burner. Rumors have it that Kershaw will transfer to Texas from his hometown team.
However, the Dodgers, which had no room on its 40-man roster, saw on Tuesday when it would be possible to register additional players through the injured list. Kershaw also understood the situation and waited. Although the timing was delayed, the contract could be renewed thanks to the trust of the two sides.
The LA Times reported, “Kershaw didn’t quit. He didn’t leave. It didn’t end with Dodgers. Dodgers didn’t end with him either. Good for him. The contract reflects both emotion and common sense. Kershaw got a chance to rewrite his last chapter and seems to be able to retire in blue. Big news, good news.”
“This news could have an immediate impact on the Dodgers clubhouse. While he will not be able to pitch during the first half of his recovery from shoulder surgery, Kershaw’s presence will bring stability to the remodeled team’s culture,” Kershaw said, adding that the Dodgers, which has joined many new players, is expected to maintain its long-standing team tradition.
Kershaw is also highly valued as a pitcher. The Los Angeles Times reported that Kershaw still pitched well in the final two months of this season when his shoulder was not good until he collapsed in the playoffs last year. “Considering countless injuries to Dodgers’ starting pitchers, Kershaw can play a big role when he returns at the end of this season,” adding that his return will be a big help to the starting lineup 월카지노.
The Los Angeles Times also said, “There were some expectations that he would sign with Texas, but Kershaw has decided that there is no better place to go than home to Chavez Ravine (located at Dodger Stadium). The decision is also good for Kershaw,” adding, “Texas, the winner of the World Series, will inevitably have a break in the upcoming season due to injury rehabilitation of Jacob deGrom, Max Scherzer, and two star pitchers. He would not have been very happy to sign Kershaw.”
Texas Rangers outfielder DeGrom, who was hired with a five-year, 185 million-dollar FA contract ahead of last year’s season, threw only six games and underwent Tommy John surgery in June. Scherzer, who was brought in through trade in July, also underwent surgery for a herniated disc in December. Both pitchers can return to the team only in June at the earliest, but considering their mid-to-late 30s, it is realistic to return to the team in the second half. Against this backdrop, recruitment of Kershaw, who could not be used in the first half as another injured rehabilitation worker, was burdensome.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers has hired Yamamoto, Glasnow, and James Paxton, while Walker Buehler, who is undergoing rehabilitation after Tommy John surgery, will also return. Young guns such as Bobby Miller, Emmett Schichen, Michael Grove, and Gavin Stone also have plenty of resources to start. Kershaw will be able to rehabilitate without hurrying.
The Los Angeles Times reported, “Kershaw could have retired. However, the Dodgers decided that it was a better choice for several reasons. He could be close to legendary surgeon Dr. Neil Elatrache in Los Angeles, and rehabilitate himself without feeling pressured to return to the team in a hurry. The Dodgers’ lineup is so solid that it will be his last chance to win the World Series without being shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic,” stressing that it is his first chance to win the World Series under the 162-game system.
Furthermore, the Los Angeles Times said, “More than anything, I feel that Kershaw returned to the Dodgers because of something he had not finished yet. He could not finish his time like that in his last outing,” recalling the first game of last year’s Division Series. At the time, Kershaw was dismissed early against the Arizona Diamondbacks after being hit hard by six hits (one homer) and one walk and six runs in the ⅓ innings. He vowed to avenge his death in Game 4, but as the Dodgers lost all three games to Arizona, it could have been Kershaw’s last appearance in the Dodgers.
Every player wants to finish the game in a good way. The brilliant Dodgers career could not have ended in a humble way. The Los Angeles Times reported, “Kershaw tried to atone for the fourth game but failed to get a chance. Many people wondered if he would get another chance, but fortunately, he got one.” It was hoped that Kershaw would regain his reputation.
