Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw is a legendary ace who is destined for the Hall of Fame whether he throws another pitch or not.
He had another impressive regular season, only to fail miserably in the postseason – Something that has become a reoccurring theme during the course of his career.
Now at a crossroads in his storied career, the 35-year-old has a decision to make on his future.
Following the Dodgers shocking sweep at the hands of the 84-78 Arizona Diamondbacks, Kershaw was asked if he plans to keep on pitching.
“I don’t know how to answer that right now,” he said.
You were a true Dodger. But it's time to hang em up.
— Marty Ellis (@mandmplus3) October 12, 2023
The sting of his nightmare performance in Game 1 of the NLDS still lingers, as it should.
He endured a torrid outing, conceding six runs to the Diamondbacks and managing to record only a single out before being removed from the game.
Unfortunately, it was the latest in a string of playoff missteps by Kershaw, whose postseason statistics have yet to match the brilliance he consistently displays during the regular season.
Clayton Kershaw has activated Playoff Mode pic.twitter.com/jmvSJwnOHL
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) October 8, 2023
Unfortunately for Kershaw, his postseason letdowns are a permanent part of his legacy…
Clayton Kershaw reg. season: 2.48 ERA
Sandy Koufax reg. season: 2.76 ERAClayton Kershaw playoffs: 4.49 ERA
Sandy Koufax playoffs: 0.95 ERAIf you think that’s luck you’re fucking wrong. pic.twitter.com/ASb56mAU0O
— Super 70s Sports (@Super70sSports) October 8, 2023
Should Kershaw retire or keep on pitching?
Where do you rank him among the best pitchers of this generation?