The champagne’s still drying, the confetti’s been swept up, and the Dodgers are basking in the glow of their World Series victory. But amidst the celebration, there’s a lingering question hanging in the air: what’s next for Clayton Kershaw?
Kershaw, the heart and soul of the Dodgers for 17 seasons, watched his team clinch the title from the sidelines, sidelined by injuries that plagued him throughout the 2024 season. It was a heartbreaking sight for Dodgers fans, who have witnessed Kershaw’s brilliance for nearly two decades.
Let’s rewind for a moment and appreciate just how dominant Kershaw has been. This guy’s a walking legend: MVP, three-time Cy Young Award winner, 10-time All-Star, five-time ERA title holder. He’s been the ace of the Dodgers staff, the cornerstone of their success, and a role model for aspiring pitchers everywhere.
But Father Time is undefeated, and even the greats eventually succumb to its relentless march. Kershaw’s 2024 season was a stark reminder of that reality. He started just seven games, battling injuries and posting a 4.50 ERA – a far cry from his usual dominance.
Now, at 37 years old and coming off knee and toe surgeries, Kershaw faces a crossroads. Does he attempt a comeback in 2025, hoping to recapture his old magic? Or does he hang up his cleats and walk away as a champion, his legacy cemented as one of the greatest Dodgers of all time?
The decision is further complicated by the Dodgers’ current roster. Their starting rotation is overflowing with talent: Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, Shohei Ohtani, Tony Gonsolin, Bobby Miller, Gavin Stone, and Dustin May are all vying for innings. Even if Kershaw is healthy, where does he fit in this crowded picture?
Could he potentially sign with another team? Sure, there are probably a few clubs out there who would welcome a pitcher of his caliber, even with his injury history. But after spending his entire career in Dodger blue, would Kershaw really want to don another uniform? It just doesn’t seem right.
Retirement seems like a real possibility for Kershaw this offseason. He’s achieved everything a pitcher could dream of, and walking away on top, with a World Series ring on his finger, might be the perfect ending to a storybook career.
But let’s not forget that Kershaw is a competitor. He’s battled through adversity before, and he might not be ready to write the final chapter just yet.
Whatever his decision, one thing’s for sure: Clayton Kershaw has left an indelible mark on the game of baseball, and his impact will be felt for generations to come.
