Will Clayton Kershaw Return In 2023? He Drops Latest Hint

It was a disappointing playoff exit for Clayton Kershaw and the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 3-time Cy Young Award winner would be going into his age-35 season next year, and he considered retirement last winter. Does he have another season left in him? In his answer, he hedges his bets a little:

“I think so,” Kershaw said when asked if he will play next season. But then he added, “we’ll see what happens. Going home and being around and being a full-time dad changes your perspective on things, but, as of right now, I will say I’ll play again.”

Clayton Kershaw said he thinks he’ll play in 2023 but acknowledged his mind could change being at home during the offseason.

— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) October 16, 2022

It's not like his performance on the mound would be an issue: Kershaw had one of his best seasons in a while, going 12-3 with a 2.28 ERA, a 0.94 WHIP, and a 137:23 K/BB ratio in 126.1 innings. And he earned his 9th All-Star berth.

But he was only able to make 22 starts for the second straight season, with back injuries chipping away at his time on the mound. Last winter, a major elbow injury was weighing on his decision, as to whether he'd even be healthy enough to continue to pitch. 

This time around though, it seems, it's not so much about injury as it is about family. And with only one (shortened season) World Series on his resume, the odds are leaning towards a 16th season with his Dodgers family. 

Photo: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports