New additions to the Dodgers cannot make fans forget about what could be Clayton Kershaw's final chapter
The Los Angeles Dodgers were undoubtedly the top story of the 2023/2024 offseason. It all started with a small transaction: re-signing Jayson Heyward, a move that will only boost their star-studded lineup. Heyward batted .269 and went yard 19 times, keeping alive the Dodgers’ practice of having veteran outfielders produce at the plate consistently. As day after day of free agency passed with no big splashes, it became obvious most teams weren’t committing to anything until Angles’ phenom Shoehei Ohtani came to what would be one of the most anticipated announcements in baseball history. Ohtani’s ultimate decision to head to the Dodgers was not all that surprising. It was strongly speculated he would join the crosstown Dodgers for a long time, and it felt like only a matter of time once it became clear the Angels would once again miss the playoffs in 2023. What shocked people was Ohtani deferring the contract. Despite signing the richest deal in MLB history, Ohtani is at the bottom of the payroll for the Dodgers this year, making only $2 million dollars. This got the momentum going that Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto would soon be wearing Dodger blue with his international teammate, Ohtani. Before that could happen though, the Dodgers felt there were still moves to be made for this year with Ohtani unable to pitch. They pulled off a blockbuster deal to acquire Tyler Glasnow from the Rays,getting a right hander with one of the best throwing arsenals in the league. All eyes immediately moved back to Yamamoto, who was expected to be introduced to a major league team before Christmas. The deal quickly got done with the 25 year old star, with Ohtani confirmed to have been a major draw for Yamamoto.
While there are still some question marks, the Dodgers had seemingly gone from one of the weaker starting five units out of playoff teams to one of the best. Fans of the Dodgers and just baseball fans in general spent most of the winter talking about the new additions joining the loaded offense. What this resulted in was the re-signing of pitching legend Clayton Kershaw becoming a mere footnote. Despite becoming close to departing L.A because of potentially retiring or leaving for another team, Kershaw quietly signed back on for what could be the last contract of his storied career.
The one- year deal includes a player option for 2025, but we know we can’t guarantee seeing Kershaw past this year. He is missing at least half of this year to recover from shoulder surgery, and has had an injury problem in his later years. He has also given his organization almost two decades of service. However, we as baseball fans still have this year. The Dodgers fanbase did everything right in their reactions to Ohtani and Yamamoto. Ohtani made a team- first move with his deferred payments which fans should applaud. It is also their job to make Yoshinobu feel welcome with his arrival to America. What I am trying to push for is Kershaw to receive as much love as any other player as he enters the twilight of his career. The future first- ballot hall of famer should be honored by the Dodgers and other baseball teams alike in some way or another incase this is it. Besides being an MVP and a 3-time Cy Young winner, Kershaw is presumably going to be a part of a select group of players who spent their whole career with the Dodgers. I think baseball fans in general can agree it was a feel- good moment when he finally got over his playoff woes to win the World Series in 2020.
Although any player who is missing opening day won’t receive the most attention, it is important Kershaw gets his flowers if this is his swan song. The Dodgers are once again one of the top contenders for the World Series.They are going to have multiple players up for the top awards. Their lineup could be historic. However, no matter where they are, the MLB should not forget to highlight what could be Clayton Kershaw as an individual riding off into the sunset