Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw humbly fed up with questions on future
Clayton Kershaw doesn't know if he'll play next year, either. Stop asking.
While Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw won't be pitching in this summer's All-Star Game in Seattle -- his 10th selection overall -- he still used the event's All-Star Workout Day to get an important message across.
Yes, this offseason will be the same as all other recent offseasons. No, Kershaw doesn't know whether or not he'll come back (to the Dodgers, to the game in general). Yes, he prefers this constant conversation to signing a long-term deal. But that doesn't mean he likes it.
Kershaw once again described his upcoming decision and family conversation on Monday, stating, “We’ll do that again [a family huddle] in the offseason and hopefully, if we do want to play, somebody will want me.”
Kershaw, humble as ever, knows that somebody will absolutely want him if he opts in to his age-36 season. Entering the All-Star break, the powerhouse left-hander looks as good as ever, sporting a 2.55 ERA, 10-4 record, 3.2 bWAR, and 105 strikeouts in 95.1 innings pitched.
For now, though, it remains family over everything, a generational link that was also on display at Monday's workout.
More Articles About Clayton Kershaw:
Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw is done discussing his future
The Dodgers won't receive any sort of finality on Kershaw's choice until the offseason is underway, but they have to be used to that by now. They'll likely get the first word in when the season ends. They likely won't get much of a response from Kershaw (at first). Then, before the silence gets uncomfortably long, he'll tell them whether he plans to lead the Dodgers' staff, join the surging Rangers, or hang 'em up.
Simple as that. So stop asking.
Kershaw, an all-time great in any generation, has Hall of Fame numbers at the present moment. His ridiculous 207-91 record and 2.48 career mark are as close to perfect as a pitcher can get. He's a proud left-hander. He knows 300 wins isn't out of the question, but you'd have to think he has no interest in polluting his other career numbers in order to strain to get there.
When his body tells him he's finished, he won't pitch any longer. Known for promptness, he'll make that decision quickly this offseason, and when it's time for departure, he'll leave hastily. Now let him enjoy the show Tuesday night and lead the way for the remainder of the season. That's all that's promised.