The Los Angeles Dodgers have finally secured Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki, overcoming various hurdles in the deal. Despite competition from two other strong contenders rumored to be landing spots for Sasaki, the Dodgers emerged victorious. However, their acquisition of Sasaki has raised a new challenge regarding Clayton Kershaw’s future with the team.

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, the Dodgers’ starting rotation is packed with talent. Alongside Sasaki, the team boasts Blake Snell and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, adding to an already star-studded roster. Other notable names include Tyler Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin, and Dustin May. While the Dodgers have no shortage of pitching talent, concerns about durability remain. Most of these pitchers are recovering from significant injuries, which raises the possibility of Kershaw being utilized as a sixth starter in a six-man rotation to help manage workloads.

Clayton Kershaw

At 36, Kershaw has faced his own injury struggles, making just seven starts in 2024. Nevertheless, his legacy is undeniable, with three Cy Young Awards, an MVP, two World Series titles, and what seems to be a certain Hall of Fame induction awaiting him. Having been the face of the franchise since his 2008 debut, the idea of Kershaw wearing any uniform other than Dodger blue is nearly impossible to imagine. Yet, the current roster logjam leaves his future with the team in question.

While it’s tough to envision Kershaw leaving the Dodgers, the possibility of him signing elsewhere cannot be ruled out. His hometown team, the Texas Rangers, has a noticeable hole in their rotation and has shown a willingness to make significant investments this offseason. For Kershaw, the prospect of pitching closer to home might hold a certain appeal, particularly as he nears the end of his illustrious career.

Clayton Kershaw Remains Optimistic Despite Injury Struggles

While it is still safe to say that Kershaw will get a call back from the Dodgers camp, he has other struggles. The veteran lefty announced his intention to pitch again in 2025 despite facing a challenging season plagued by injuries. During a Fox pregame broadcast in October, Kershaw expressed his positive mindset.

“Mentally, I feel great. I had shoulder surgery last offseason, and my shoulder and elbow, everything, my arm, feels great. Obviously, I had some tough luck with my foot this year. But I want to make use of this surgery. I don’t want to have surgery and shut it down. So I’m gonna come back next year and give it a go and see how it goes,” Kershaw said as per CBS Sports.

After undergoing shoulder surgery last offseason, he reported that his arm feels strong. However, he had to cope with a bone spur in his toe that kept him sidelined since August 30. Determined to make the most of his recovery, the star pitcher is eager to return to the mound soon.

He was limited to just seven starts and 30 innings in the season, but Kershaw’s track record speaks for itself. He has a decorated resume with 212 career wins, a stellar ERA+ of 156, and a WAR of 76.5. With his current contract including a player option for 2025 at $5 million, Kershaw’s commitment to the Dodgers remains strong, as he plans to utilize that option.