In the rich history of the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers, few names hold as much significance as left-hander Clayton Kershaw. While icons like Jackie Robinson, Sandy Koufax, and Roy Campanella have left enduring legacies, Kershaw arguably stands as the pinnacle. His career bWAR of 79.7 surpasses Hall of Famer Pee Wee Reese by over 10 points, solidifying his place among Dodger greats.
Approaching his 17th season, Kershaw embodies this generation’s Koufax, boasting a resume that includes three Cy Young Awards, an MVP title in 2014, a pitcher’s Triple Crown in 2011, and a crucial role in the Dodgers’ 2020 World Series triumph. His 10 All-Star selections further underscore his elite status in the game.
As Kershaw readies for his 2024 debut against the San Francisco Giants, the Dodgers confront a challenging reality: injuries have depleted their pitching staff, with three starters sidelined and James Paxton recently designated for assignment.
Manager Dave Roberts remains optimistic about Kershaw, who missed the start of the season due to shoulder surgery:
“I truly believe we’ll see the same Clayton,” Roberts told Doug Padilla of the Orange County Register. He highlighted Kershaw’s recovery progress and expects improved performance from the veteran.
The Dodgers aren’t anticipating the fastball-dominant Kershaw of 2014. Instead, they seek the seasoned pitcher who has adapted his approach, heavily relying on a slider used 43.4% of the time in 2023, complemented by a mix of curveballs and reduced fastballs.
This evolution echoes that of CC Sabathia, who at age 36 rejuvenated his career in 2017 by emphasizing his slider as his fastball velocity waned. Sabathia’s adaptation resulted in a valuable 148.2 innings and 1.8 fWAR for the Yankees, contributing significantly to their postseason run.
Los Angeles counts on Kershaw for stability — innings, consistency, and tangible results. Despite adjustments, Kershaw ranked in the 89th percentile in pitching run value in 2023, showcasing his effectiveness without overpowering hitters.
Kershaw’s transformation from a dominant power pitcher to a crafty strategist makes him a distinctive asset in today’s baseball landscape. As he potentially enters his final season with the Dodgers, Kershaw bears not just the burden of a team’s aspirations but the weight of a franchise’s legacy.
The Dodgers no longer need the youthful Kershaw; they require the seasoned veteran who navigates challenges with the same finesse and determination that defined his peak years. Should this season be his farewell, there’s no doubt Kershaw will leave everything on the field in pursuit of further glory for the Dodgers.
