MLB Rumors: Will The Dodgers Keep Clayton Kershaw, Manny Machado With 2018 Free Agency Looming?

The Los Angeles Dodgers were only eliminated from the 2018 World Series a few days ago, but the team already has some major decisions to make regarding their 2019 roster. Clayton Kershaw and Manny Machado both have a chance to hit the open market, where they would be pursued by many MLB teams.

Machado has no more years left on his deal, and he’ll test free agency in pursuit of a contract that could approach $300 million. Kershaw has $65 million coming to him over the next two years, but he could opt out of the contract in search of a more lucrative agreement with the Dodgers or another team.

The Dodgers and Kershaw have agreed to extend the deadline for Kershaw’s decision until 4 p.m. EDT Friday. That likely means the two sides are working on a new deal for the left-hander that will keep him in Los Angeles for the next few years.

While it would be surprising to see Kershaw leave, it might be just as surprising if Machado stayed in L.A. The star infielder made an Instagram post Wednesday night in which he thanked the Dodgers and essentially said goodbye to Los Angeles.

“Wearing that iconic Dodger Blue everyday was truly an honor,” Machado wrote. “To Doc, the coaching staff and the boys, it was a privilege going into battle with all of you! Something I’ll never forget!!”

When the Dodgers traded five prospects for Machado at the All-Star break, it was largely viewed as a rental for a team that was looking to get back to the World Series. A season-ending injury to Corey Seager allowed Los Angeles to make the trade, but the left side of their infield will be manned by Seager and Justin Turner for the foreseeable future.

Machado hit .273/.338/.487 in 66 regular-season games with the Dodgers. He had a disappointing .672 OPS in 16 playoff games.

Kershaw continued to struggle in the playoffs. His loss in Game 5 of the World Series put his 2018 postseason ERA at 4.20 after he posted a 2.73 ERA in 26 regular-season starts. He’ll be 31 years old at the start of the 2019 season, and he wouldn’t command nearly the kind of money that Machado will as a free agent.

Even as injuries appear to have taken their toll on Kershaw, he remains one of the most valuable pitchers over the course of a 162-game season. He had a 4.26 ERA as a rookie with the Dodgers in 2008 and hasn’t had an ERA above 2.91 since that season.

Over the last three years, Kershaw has made 74 starts, going 39-13 with a 2.26 ERA. His 2.73 ERA and 1.04 WHIP in 2018 were his worst numbers since 2010.

The New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies are considered to be the top contenders to sign Machado. There had been speculation that the Texas Rangers could make a play for Kershaw if he chose to become a free agent.