While the official report date for pitchers and catchers across most MLB teams is set for February 14-15, there’s a surprising fact to digest – spring training is technically less than a week away. The Los Angeles Dodgers are among the early birds, with their pitchers and catchers due to report on February 9, marking the unofficial start of spring training.
In the midst of this anticipation, the offseason’s lingering business remains a focal point. Despite the countdown to spring, it appears to be progressing at a slower pace than ever, leaving us hungry for some baseball tidbits.
Clayton Kershaw’s Future with the Dodgers
The status of Clayton Kershaw continues to be a topic of discussion in the Dodgers’ camp. General Manager Brandon Gomes shared, “We continue to stay in touch with Clayton and we’ll progress.” Kershaw underwent shoulder surgery in early November and is unlikely to return until at least the middle of the season. As a free agent, it appears probable that Kershaw will remain loyal to the Dodgers, the team he’s been a part of since his 2006 draft selection. The 35-year-old future Hall of Famer has spent 16 seasons in the big leagues, and there’s a compelling case for him to stay put.
Gomes on Kershaw: “We continue to stay in touch with Clayton, and we’ll progress.”
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) February 3, 2024
The Dodgers’ current rotation includes Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, Bobby Miller, Emmet Sheehan, and Walker Buehler, who’s on the comeback trail from Tommy John surgery. Given the uncertainties surrounding workload, Kershaw’s potential return in August and the postseason could provide a significant boost.
Evan Longoria’s Decision-Making
Veteran third baseman Evan Longoria, a free agent, finds himself at a crossroads, “weighing options,” as reported by the Tampa Bay Times. It remains unclear whether these options include retirement or if Longoria is mulling over multiple job offers.
Last season, Longoria, at 38 years old, posted a slash line of .223/.295/.422 (93 OPS+) with 11 home runs in 74 regular-season games for the Diamondbacks. He held the role of their regular third baseman during the surprising run to the World Series, although his playoff performance was less stellar, with a .167/.226/.229 line in 16 postseason games.
While Longoria may no longer be suited for an everyday role, his power and solid glove make him a valuable asset coming off the bench.
As the days inch closer to spring training, the baseball world remains intrigued by these ongoing storylines, eager to witness the developments that the coming season will bring.