UPDATE: March 11 3 p.m. PT): Clayton Kershaw and the Los Angeles Dodgers reportedly agreed to a one-year contract for the 2022 regular season.
When Clayton Kershaw became a free agent during the offseason there was widespread speculation he would ultimately decide from re-signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers, joining his hometown Texas Rangers, or retire after 14 seasons in the Majors.
The thought of Kershaw potentially calling it a career largely stemmed from twice suffering a left flexor tendon strain last year. The second instance came in his final start and prevented Kershaw from being active for the postseason.
However, during a recent appearance on the “Dan Patrick Show,” Kershaw said he was preparing for whenever the 2022 regular season was due to start. Shortly after his comments, a former teammate predicted Kershaw would sign with the Rangers or retire.
But with free agency now underway, there is a growing sentiment Kerhaw instead will re-sign with the Dodgers, according to ESPN’s Buster Olney:
There is heavy industry expectation that Clayton Kershaw will return to the Dodgers for the 2022 season.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) March 11, 2022
Kershaw finished last season 10-8 with a 3.55 ERA, 3.00 FIP and 1.02 WHIP in 22 starts. He missed nearly 10 weeks because of left forearm trouble, which included a rushed attempt at a comeback.
Kershaw pitched well upon being activated off the 60-day injured list in September, but only managed to make four starts before getting shut down because of more flexor tendon trouble.
Both Kershaw and the Dodgers have expressed optimism the injury did not involve a damaged ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and anticipated the three-time Cy Young Award winner getting back to full health in time for the 2022 season.
Roberts yet to speak with Kershaw
Although an abbreviated Spring Training is beginning this weekend, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed he had yet to speak with Kershaw or fellow free agent Kenley Jansen. Both players have only been part of the Dodgers organization in their respective careers thus far.
“Obviously I have a great relationship with both those guys. They’re going to be Dodgers forever, as far as the legacy piece,” Roberts said. “How it plays out in the coming weeks, I just don’t know. I haven’t talked to them.”
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