LA Dodgers Reveal Stance on Clayton Kershaw's Future

The Los Angeles Dodgers have gone out and made some huge pitching moves this offseason, trading for Tampa Bay Rays flamethrower Tyler Glasnow and signing Japanese star Yoshinobu Yamamoto. And of course, that doesn't include bringing in two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani, although he won't be pitching in 2024 as he recovers from elbow surgery.

But with the rotation rejuvenated, is there still room for Dodgers legend and future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw if he decides he'd like to come back for one more season?

Brandon Gomes said the door is still open for the Dodgers to bring back Clayton Kershaw even after some of the rotation additions this winter.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) February 3, 2024

Dodgers beat writer Fabian Ardaya reports that Executive Vice President and General Manager Brandon Gomes says they're definitely leaving the door open for Kershaw.

The 3-time Cy Young Award winner underwent shoulder surgery after the 2023 season, and hasn't yet made up his mind about returning for another go-round, but if he does, the soon-to-be 36-year-old won't be ready until well into the season anyway. And the Dodgers know as well as any team that rotation depth is necessary as injuries can ravage any rotation as a season goes along.

In addition to adding Glasnow and Yamamoto, they expect to get former ace Walker Buehler back after he missed the 2023 season due to Tommy John surgery. James Paxton has been added, but we know that his health has been an issue throughout his career, while Dustin May won't be back until at least mid-season after his own Tommy John surgery, and Tony Gonsolin is out for 2024 after having... yes, Tommy John.

The legendary Kershaw would undoubtedly be welcomed back with open arms. He had his usually stellar regular season, posting a 2.46 ERA and making his 10th All-Star team (we just won't mention his typical playoff performance, which was even more embarrassing than usual).