Texas Rangers Free Agent Debate: Clayton Kershaw vs. Carlos Rodon

Texas Rangers Free Agent Debate: Decision Time

Man, I thought the first debate was tough, but we’ve got two incredibly talented lefties on the table without draft pick compensation attached.

As I’ve sat back and looked at the numbers and advanced analytics between the two, it’s becoming a tougher decision for me to make.

There is nothing to not like about Clayton Kershaw. I mean, it makes too much sense not for him to come home, right?

But then, Carlos Rodon has about five years on him and is coming off a spectacular season. He’s got the first round pedigree and still has overpowering stuff.

Either guy slots nicely in the Texas Rangers rotation for 2022, and are both guys the Rangers could use in the long term contention window, as well.

For me, if I’m playing Chris Young and Jon Daniels in this situation, I think you lean more towards Kershaw because of that playoff experience and ties to Woody and Seager. However, Rodon’s age plays a huge factor into his signing.

Final verdict, as a biased Texan, I’m taking Clayton Kershaw. Jon Gray can give up the #22 to be the number two in the Rangers rotation in 2022.  Let the Texas Rangers build their young staff around Kershaw and Gray, and watch them usher a new wave of young pitching studs into the big leagues.

Imagine a rotation of Kershaw, Gray, Leiter,  Winn and Vanasco? How about Owen White in the mix, too? Don’t forget about Taylor Hearn and Dane Dunning.

The Rangers pitching depth is unreal, and adding a Kershaw only bolsters that rotation and gives the young guns the valued mentor they need.

Come on, Texas. Bring this man home and give him some security. I say three years, $65 million with a fourth year option.

What say you, Ranger fans? Let us know @NolanWritinFS and @PTylerHenderson on Twitter.