A potential partnership between the Texas Rangers and Clayton Kershaw might still materialize. Particularly now, with Max Scherzer sidelined for the initial months of the 2024 season, the chances seem even higher.
The seasoned pitcher from the Los Angeles Dodgers won’t be ready for the start of the upcoming season due to injury, which could actually align favorably for the reigning World Series champions. Kershaw, aged 35, is currently undergoing rehabilitation after shoulder surgery and is unlikely to be back until after the All-Star break. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Texas still views Kershaw as a strong candidate, especially as they anticipate Jacob deGrom’s return post-break. In a move that echoes similar thinking, the Rangers recently secured Tyler Mahle, a free-agent right-handed pitcher, to a $22 million two-year deal. Mahle, who had Tommy John surgery in May, is expected to remain sidelined until at least mid-season. Kershaw’s recovery timeline aligns somewhat with Mahle’s, given his recent surgery to mend ligaments and the capsule in his left shoulder. However, an insider familiar with the Rangers’ plans indicated that Kershaw is still very much under consideration. Adding to the potential appeal is Kershaw’s Dallas roots, having attended the same high school (Highland Park) as the Rangers’ general manager, Chris Young. There’s a longstanding belief that if the three-time Cy Young Award winner were to ever play for a team other than the Dodgers, it would likely be his hometown Rangers.
Chris Young has emphasized the significance of pitching depth for a club, a sentiment that rings particularly true for Texas. The defending champions faced a setback when Scherzer had surgery to address a herniated disc, pushing his probable comeback to June or July. As of the start of the 2024 season, the Texas rotation comprises Nathan Eovaldi, Jon Gray, Andrew Heaney, and Dane Dunning, with Cody Bradford as an additional choice. There’s also the chance of a reunion with free agent Jordan Montgomery, which remains on the table for the team.
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