Clayton Kershaw will surely go down as one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history.
No, he’s not the clutchest pitcher you’ll ever see, but the three-time Cy Young winner will surely be missed whenever he decides to hang up the cleats.
I absolutely LOVE Clayton Kershaw
Holy goddamn shit. pic.twitter.com/di1SE93oDs
— DodgersDeferralMemeTeam (@DodgersMemeTeam) April 2, 2024
Still recovering from shoulder surgery, Kershaw hopes to rejoin the Los Angeles Dodgers later in the season and contribute to another World Series run.
Appearing on his teammate Mookie Betts’ podcast, Kershaw spoke about the toughest hitters he’s faced in his decorated career.
This day in #Dodgers history: Clayton Kershaw hit a home run and pitched a complete-game shutout against the Giants to start the 2013 season 🔥https://t.co/YRuwVHmRVJ pic.twitter.com/JAwXw4w6TM
— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) April 2, 2024
“Nolan [Arenado] is definitely up there. He gets me, man. He’s a really tough out,” Kershaw told Betts.
“Goldy [Paul Goldschmidt]. Manny [Machado] … Manny, when he wants to, can kind of hit whatever. It depends on what he’s looking for. He has good baseball feel.”
Clayton Kershaw lists his Top 5 toughest ABs 😳 pic.twitter.com/rV7XksQsH9
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) January 2, 2024
Those three names won’t surprise anyone.
However, the most unexpected inclusion in Kershaw’s list was Dexter Fowler, a journeyman outfielder who has left a lasting impression on the Dodgers longtime ace.
“Dexter Fowler, you remember Dexter? When he was in Colorado, I don’t think I ever got him out. The numbers are bad,” Kershaw admitted.
Five years ago today, Dexter Fowler hit a homer. pic.twitter.com/RC3c44Bw5q
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) November 2, 2021
Despite his extensive experience, Kershaw acknowledged a gap in facing top sluggers from the American League, citing Aaron Judge and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as examples.
“I haven’t faced a lot of guys in the AL yet, like [Aaron] Judge or Vladdy [Guerrero]. I don’t face those guys enough,” he pointed out.
AARON JUDGE 109.7 MPH HOME RUN TO GIVE US A 2-0 LEAD! pic.twitter.com/bzVJU2VRQ3
— Fireside Yankees (@FiresideYankees) April 6, 2024
In a surprising twist, Kershaw also named a pair of role players, Austin Slater and Wilmer Flores, currently playing for the San Francisco Giants, as particularly tough opponents.
Wilmer Flores sends the Giants faithful home a winner! #walkoff
(MLB x @CapitalOne) pic.twitter.com/DnEEgSZYb6
— MLB (@MLB) September 4, 2022
Making his MLB debut in 2008, Kershaw holds several franchise records and is only 23 wins away from tying Don Sutton for most victories in Dodger blue.
He’s a 10-time All-Star and winner of the 2014 National League MVP Award. Besides his three Cy Young awards, he holds five ERA titles and was the NL leader in wins and strikeouts three times.
Justin Steele names his Mount Rushmore of pitchers
Sandy Koufax
Clayton Kershaw
Cy Young
Greg Maddux(via @See_Hendo) pic.twitter.com/dsobW7jEXO
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) April 5, 2024
All-Star slugger Freddie Freeman recently spoke about how great of a teammate and mentor Kershaw is to him and the entire team.
“I’ve been playing against you for a long time, and it’s an absolute honor and privilege to compete against you … But to be your teammate, it’s on a whole other level,” Freeman told Kershaw on a recent episode of “Backstage: Dodgers” on SportsNet LA.
“What you mean to not only me but probably everyone who’s put on this jersey, it’s special,” Freeman continued. “Fifteen years you’ve been doing this, 200 career wins. It just doesn’t happen.”
“You’re the greatest left-handed pitcher of our generation, if not the greatest pitcher of our generation. It’s been an honor to be your teammate the last couple years.”
With the Dodgers’ starting pitchers looking great on the mound so far, it’s amazing to know Clayton Kershaw is on his own promising road back!
Updates provided by @FabianArdaya pic.twitter.com/WRoE6sihqV
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) April 1, 2024
What are your thoughts on Kershaw’s list?
Who are the top five current hitters in baseball?
As far as Clayton, where do you rank him among the top pitchers of this generation???