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Texas Rangers Rumors: Rangers are ‘next most likely’ after LAD to sign Kershaw?

BySeth Carlson|
Oct 17, 2021; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw talks in the dugout during the third inning against the Atlanta Braves in game two of the 2021 NLCS at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2021; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw talks in the dugout during the third inning against the Atlanta Braves in game two of the 2021 NLCS at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Get ready for a piping hot Texas Rangers hot stove season, because the rumors are already beginning to swirl. And not just players photoshopped in Rangers gear!

First up, we have Clayton Kershaw. The 33-year-old veteran and 2020 World Champion with the LA Dodgers is likely to stay put with the only team he’s known his whole career, but don’t count the Rangers out, says MLB Network Insider Jon Heyman.

The Texas Rangers are very much in play for Clayton Kershaw this off-season

Kershaw has expressed a desire to return home in the past, and given that he’s from the DFW area (born in Dallas), home would indeed mean the Texas Rangers.

The southpaw was non-committal when asked about his future with the Dodgers back in February, so that does leave the door open for the hometown team to make a pitch.

Despite injuries in 2021, Kershaw still posted a 3.55 ERA in 22 starts for LA this season, numbers that would be far and away the best on the Rangers starting staff and a clear upgrade over the current situation.

None of Dane Dunning, Taylor Hearn, Spencer Howard, Glenn Otto or A.J. Alexy are exactly the ‘ace’ type, but Kershaw most certainly is. His addition to this young club would be a boost not just from a production standpoint, but also from a leadership one as the team has plenty of young players to promote in the years to come.

With numerous pitching accolades and a World Series under his belt, his effect on the Rangers would be felt immediately. And his connection with Chris Woodward from when they were both in the Dodger organization can’t hurt either.

Texas also has the financial resources to lure Kershaw should money be a driving factor, though he’s already made a ton in his big league career. Still, if it’s coming down to dollars and the Rangers are willing to dish extra ones out, perhaps that could seal the deal.

Landing a player of Clayton Kershaw’s caliber would reinforce the Texas Rangers’ front office and ownership’s commitment to spending money and improving the big league product in a massive way heading into 2022. And so long as they’re in the mix, that’s a good sign.

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