Oct 25, 2020; Arlington, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning during the first inning during game five of the 2020 World Series at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
When the lockout ends, could Clayton Kershaw join former Los Angeles Dodgers teammate Corey Seager in Texas?
An argument has been made for a Kershaw homecoming of sorts since the beginning of free agency. The fit makes sense, as Kershaw is from Dallas. The Rangers have plenty of money to spend, as they’ve already shown in signing Seager and Marcus Semien to replenish their middle infield.
Next up is the starting rotation, and the Rangers have plenty of time to consider how they’d like to use their cash while we wait out the MLB lockout.
A player like Kershaw, who is so used to a specific regimen heading into spring training, will not want to wait long once the players and owners agree to a new CBA. Expect Kershaw to be one of the first players to sign a contract once players and owners are allowed to negotiate once again.
Clayton Kershaw rumors: Texas of significant interest
Seager admitted he’s tried to recruit Kershaw to Arlington shortly after signing with the Rangers.
The fact he’s so open to discussing that fact surely means it’s not the last time he’ll reach out while we all await some sort of movement at the CBA negotiating table.
Kershaw is coming off a subpar year by his standards. The future Hall of Famer pitched to a 3.55 ERA, his highest mark since 2008. He also dealt with some injury concerns midway through the year, so that may have played a role in his overall ineffectiveness.
The Rangers rotation, meanwhile, could use some work. The newly-signed Jon Gray immediately slides in near the top, which isn’t a great sign given he ought to be at least a No. 2 or No. 3 starter. Kershaw could be the ace the Rangers desperately need.