Dodgers Fan Vote: Will Clayton Kershaw Retire in Los Angeles?
Chances are that if you have been a fan of the Dodgers for a while, Clayton Kershaw is one of your all-time favorite players. The future hall of fame pitcher made his MLB debut with the Dodgers back in 2008 at just 20-years-old and has provided years of pitching dominance in Los Angeles.
And now, nearly 12 years after that young prospect made his debut, we have a different topic of conversation over Kershaw. His contract is set to expire after the 2021 season, and Dodgers fans have started to wonder what the future holds for him in Los Angeles.
We took to Twitter polls to find out what fans thought, and it turns out most Dodgers fans are hopeful that Kershaw will retire in Los Angeles.
https://twitter.com/brookme3/status/1250469113312370688
A staggering 90 percent of the nearly 2,000 voters felt that Kershaw would retire wearing a Dodgers’ uniform. Given that seems to be a common thought, I will offer an alternative possibility.
Kershaw will be entering his age 34 seasons when he signs his next contract, young enough to sign likely one last deal with a team before he heads off to retirement. Most think that Kershaw would like to be closer to his home in Texas to watch his kids grow up, making it likely he would accept an offer from the Rangers.
The Rangers are also desperately lacking long-term starting pitching solutions. Corey Kluber could be retained through 2021, while Lance Lynn’s contract will also last through 2021. Mike Minor will be a free agent following the 2020 season, and recently signed Kyle Gibson will be a free agent after the 2022 season. With Jordan Lyles signed through 2021, that means none of the Rangers’ current starting pitchers are accounted for after 2022.
This leaves the door wide open for the Rangers to swoop up Kershaw from the Dodgers and let him play closer to home.
There also is an issue with the current depth of the Dodgers in their starting rotation. Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin are knocking on the door, and should probably be in the rotation now. Josiah Gray is likely very close to being Major League ready in the next few years, while at least four other non-roster guys are on their way.
If the Dodgers have any intention of keeping Kershaw in Los Angeles for the rest of his career, it’s going to have to come at a discount. What do you think? Does Kershaw receive an extension before his contract expires? Or does he go to the Rangers? Let us know in the comments below.
Dodgers: Dustin May Wins Illustrious ‘Best Hair in Baseball’ Tournament
He stays. He’s an upstanding man. It’s instilled in him to return what has given him the opportunity to be the man he his today. There are not many men that are not swayed by the adulation that has been bestowed upon him in his many years in Los Angeles, an area where greed is only surpassed by the love of fans.
I certainly hope Clayton Kershaw remains a Dodger! The Rangers would be my next choice though, and I can understand Clayton wanting to be near his kids. It hurts to think of him leaving the Dodgers, but I want to see him happy most of all.
He’s one of those players where you don’t win a World Series until they’re gone. Usually a great player too.
I would love to see Clayton retire a Dodger. I have been a True Blue Dodger fan since 1948 when I was 7. And he is one of my favorites. I think the Dodgers should do whatever is necessary to make sure that happens.
I’ve been a Dodgersince 1954 I am and always be a Loud as fan Clayton is good and if he wants to play for Texas that is right we got the best if him before he leaves we should be happy
Keep Kershaw !!!!!!!
I would love to see him stay but hey he’s also earned the right to be home
If he does not win a title during this contract, he will retire in Texas. That’s his home. That’s where he’s at right now. The new stadium doesn’t hurt.
You all make good pts, except Cato
1. Dodgers want to keep him but only at what he’s worth
2. They would have to make room for him and the way they use more than 5 starters it’s doable.
3. If he doesn’t win a WS by the end of his contract he wouldn’t have a better chance w the Rangers
hahaha you can’t face the reality that he’s one of those players. A Ted Williams a Barry Bonds, who else?