The Dodgers pitcher may have opened up the door for a potential exit next season.
With the heavily favored Los Angeles Dodgers (100-62) still reeling from an upset loss to the sixth-ranked Arizona Diamondbacks (84-78), star pitcher Clayton Kershaw is still trying to figure out if he wants to stay with the franchise. team or not. Arizona won 4-2 last Wednesday to complete a historic sweep that only raised more questions about Kershaw’s future in the organization.
Β Β At 35, Clayton has continued to show that he has what it takes to reach the highest level, but he had some bad moments in the series against the Diamondbacks. That start to Game 1 was forgettable at best, and it will haunt him throughout the postseason. But the most concerning aspect of this future question is how Kershaw responded to what he will do and whether he wants to continue playing with the Dodgers next season. Losing so publicly and painfully weighs heavily on Kershaw, which is perhaps why he was so cold when he answered the question after the game.
He was unclear about the upcoming season and decided to keep quiet about what he wants to do next. Given his ongoing left shoulder injury, which has been a problem for him since June, it may be time to look at that before making any decisions. Asked about his future by the Athletic, Kershaw said, “I don’t know how to answer that right now. I’m not sure.” Could Shohei Ohtani influence Kershaw’s decision? With Julio Urias’ future in complete disarray, the Los Angeles Dodgers absolutely need to make a statement and hire a pitcher who can secure their playoff spots for years to come.
Β Β The age of Clayton Kershaw does not allow the management of the team to see him as the star pitcher of the team for a long time. That’s where Shohei Ohtani comes in, who was a fan favorite despite his role with the Los Angeles Angels. Even the player himself is aware that the Dodgers are one of the strongest contenders to provide him with the championship opportunity he has been chasing since coming from Japan.
Depending on what the Dodgers decide on a new pitcher, it should help Clayton Kershaw evaluate what he wants to do next.