Cody Snavely
Lost in the excitement of the Los Angeles Dodgers signing top international free agent 23-year-old Rōki Sasaki are the team’s plans for a potential reunion with veteran left-handed pitcher Clayton Kershaw. However, we now have some more clarity on the situation.
At today’s introductory press conference for Rōki Sasaki, Bill Plunkett of The Orange County Register asked Dodgers General Manager Brandon Gomes about the team’s pursuit of Kershaw. Gomes replied that their feelings have not changed this winter.
Gomes later explained that they’ve been in contact with Kershaw throughout the offseason and mentioned that Kershaw has begun his throwing program as he recovers from his offseason toe and knee surgery.
Interestingly, it was also confirmed that Kershaw was one of several players who sent a video to Sasaki as part of the Dodgers’ recruitment pitch. So, a reunion is likely to happen at some point this season.
When that is, it will be another question entirely, but I would say it’s a safe bet that Kershaw re-signs when the 60-day Injured List opens on February 8th, before pitchers and catchers report.
This would be similar to the last offseason when Kershaw re-signed with the Dodgers when the 60-day IL opened up. This allowed the Dodgers to sign him, let him recover from shoulder surgery, and not take up a valuable 40-man roster spot.
The Dodgers will have several players transfer to the 60-day IL once it opens, such as Gavin Stone, Emmet Sheehan, and River Ryan, who are all recovering from their arm and shoulder surgeries.
Kershaw, 36, stated during the Dodgers 2024 World Series celebration that he would be a “Dodger for life” and do whatever it takes to ensure he only wears a Dodger uniform for his entire career. The front office shares that sentiment and, out of respect, has given Kershaw his time and privacy to return when ready.
Kershaw will be entering his 18th season and is only thirty-two strikeouts away from joining the illustrious 3000 strikeout club. Despite the age and injuries, Kershaw has been elite when healthy, posting a 2.46 ERA during the 2023 season.
I can speak for all Dodgers fans and say we want Kershaw to return and get another shot to end his career as a World Series champion as the Dodgers look to run it back.
Kershaw has a career 2.50 ERA and a combined 79.4 bWAR, which is the most of any Los Angeles Dodgers player in team history.
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