Texas Rangers now interested in adding free agent LHP before offseason ends with three pitchers likely out until the second half of the 2024 season
The Texas Rangers are actively pursuing free-agent left-handed pitcher Clayton Kershaw from the Dodgers this offseason, as reported by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Despite facing the absence of three pitchers until the latter half of the 2024 season, the Rangers remain keen on acquiring Kershaw.
During the early offseason, the veteran Dodgers pitcher disclosed his shoulder surgery to repair glenohumeral ligaments, aiming for a comeback in the later part of the season. While Kershaw has confirmed his expectation to return next season, he is yet to determine which team he will play for.
In recent offseasons, Kershaw has been confronted with the choice of retiring, rejoining the Dodgers, or joining his hometown Rangers. While he has consistently opted for the Dodgers so far, the current offseason introduces new uncertainties.
Given his surgery sidelining him until the second half of the season, Kershaw might lean towards playing for his hometown team in Texas. On the other hand, having spent his entire 16-year career in Los Angeles, the idea of him playing elsewhere seems challenging to envision.
Amidst the Dodgers historic offseason, the Texas Rangers still have their eyes on Clayton Kershaw. pic.twitter.com/nm2BiiWJ84
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) December 23, 2023
Despite the Rangers being the reigning World Series champions, the Dodgers are assembling a team poised to be the favorites for the 2024 title. While Kershaw has achieved significant milestones in his illustrious career, the one elusive accomplishment is a full-season World Series trophy.
The decision between the Rangers and the Dodgers for the 2024 season poses a contemplative choice for Kershaw as he evaluates which team provides him with a better opportunity to win the World Series.
Clayton Kershaw’s Teammates Want Him Back
Tyler Glasnow spoke to @DMAC_LA about Clayton Kershaw potentially returning to the Dodgers:
"It would be amazing… The guidance he could provide for Yamamoto (and) me. Just picking his brain. He’s done it for so long at such a high level, it would be a win-win-win all around."
— Noah Camras (@noahcamras) December 23, 2023
For what it’s worth, two Los Angeles Dodgers pitchers want Kershaw to return in 2024.
Tyler Glasnow informed our own Doug McKain that he wants to be teammates with his childhood idol in 2024.
Furthermore, Walker Buehler responded to our X/Twitter article about the Rangers’ interest in Kershaw with a resounding “NO!”
There is no set deadline for Kershaw to make a choice, but everyone in Los Angeles seemed to be waiting with bated breath.
NO!
— Walker Buehler (@buehlersdayoff) December 23, 2023