Lefty Clayton Kershaw, the most identifiable Dodger and a true franchise icon, is a free agent, and the Dodgers opted not to tender him a qualifying offer (QO). That would seem to herald an end to Kershaw's days with the Dodgers, of whom he's been a part since being drafted by them with the seventh overall pick in 2006.
However, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman told reporters at the general managers meetings on Tuesday that the team wants Kershaw back in L.A. Via Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times, Friedman said:
"We really want Kersh to come back — not only because of what he's meant to us looking back, but what he'll mean for us going forward.
"That being said … he has to figure out what's best for him and his family. There's a personal and professional tug of war for me. Professionally, I really hope he's back. Personally, I want him to do what makes the most sense for his family, and we'll figure out what that means."
As for the lack of a QO, Friedman spun it as the club's way of allowing Kershaw more time to make a decision (Nov. 17 is the deadline to accept or decline a QO):
There is of course a more bottom-line angle potentially at work, and that is that the Dodgers do not want to guarantee Kershaw $18.4 million -- the QO salary figure for the 2022 season -- given his age and recent injury history.
Speaking of that, Kershaw turns 34 in March, and he's coming off a 2021 season in which he missed a large chunk of the regular season and then the entire postseason because of a flexor tendon (forearm) problem. Friedman says he expects Kershaw to be ready for spring training, but the injury remains a concern moving forward.
Kershaw is coming off a 2021 season in which he pitched to a 3.55 ERA/115 ERA+ in 121 2/3 innings with a K/BB ratio of 6.86. Over the last three seasons combined, Kershaw has an ERA+ of 136. He's coped quite well with velocity loss over the years, thanks to his command of a deep repertoire, but durability is the big question moving forward for the three-time Cy Young winner.
It's widely anticipated that the Rangers, who play near Kershaw's suburban Dallas home, will be active in pursuing him. For now, though, a return to the Dodgers may still be in play.
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November 10, 2021 at 10:57PM
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Dodgers 'really want' Clayton Kershaw back despite not tendering qualifying offer to franchise legend - CBS sports.com
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