Dodgers News: Clayton Kershaw Made “Quick Decision” to Return to LA
Dodgers veteran and future first-ballot Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw will return to L.A. The team officially announced today that the lefty signed a one-year $20 million deal for the 2023 season.
Kershaw spoke to reporters after the news broke and said it was an easy decision for him and his wife, Ellen.
Clayton Kershaw said he and his wife Ellen made the decision for him to come back to LA pretty quickly this offseason:
“We talked for a few days, but we felt like we weren’t done. Our time wasn’t finished in LA.”
— Jack Harris (@Jack_A_Harris) December 5, 2022
Like last season, there were rumors Kershaw might return home to Texas and play for the Rangers. However, that was never an option for the 34-year-old.
However, the future Hall of Famer did say that it was only between two teams.
Kershaw confirmed his decision once again came down to the Dodgers and Rangers:
“It’s no secret. There’s only two teams I would ever play for going forward."
— Jack Harris (@Jack_A_Harris) December 5, 2022
He was going to be a Dodger, Ranger, or retire. We’re all glad he chose L.A.
Clayton will be rocking the Dodger blue for 16 consecutive years now. The Dodgers drafted Kershaw in the first round of the 2006 MLB draft right out of high school, and boy, have we watched him grow.
He’s accomplished so much in his Hall of Fame career; he’s won three Cy Young awards, a gold glove, a triple crown winner, five-time ERA titles, a 2014 MVP, and a World Series champion.
And in 2022, he became the all-time leader Dodger leader in strikeouts, surpassing Don Sutton in April.
The former MVP has struggled with injuries over the years, but he still has the stuff when he’s out there. It‘s not quite the same, but he’s still effective on the mound.
Kershaw and the Dodgers are synonymous with each other. It would have been hard to see Kershaw wear anything else but a Dodger jersey.
22 is arguably the greatest player ever to wear Dodger blue. He will continue his journey to capture his second World Series title in Los Angeles.
Was there ever a doubt, Dodger fans?
“22 is arguably the greatest player ever to wear Dodger blue.”
He’s right there but I would have to put Sandy Koufax ahead of him if only for his 4 no-hitters, one being perfect game. Since 1980 he is probably the best. But before that, there are too many other guys, all Hall of Famers who can say they are the greatest Dodger.
I prefer to look at the “greatest Dodger” in the era they played.. No doubt we have a bunch of them…
Sometimes we take greatness for granted and don’t appreciate it until it’s gone. Just saw a Top 10 video of #22’s career highlights on LA Sportsnet. Easy to forget the achievements Kershaw has done for the Dodgers through the years. The competitiveness on each outing and the will to win is really admirable. Having won 2 Cy Youngs along a MVP (as a pitcher) award is very deserving for a guy that puts in so much hard work every day. He’s a terrific role model for the young guns and a mentor to every ball player. Hope for the best as this just might be his last year….he’s back because he says there’s still unfinished business. Go Dodgers!!!
Sorry, 3 Cy Young’s, a Gold Glove, and 5 ERA titles !!! Glad to watch a future HOF’er pitch for the Dodgers.
Too bad he will be injured for half of the year.