Retirement Not Yet An Option For Clayton Kershaw Amid Limited Options

National League starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw reacts after giving up a hit to Shohei Ohtani in the first inning of the 92nd MLB All-Star Game GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA via AFP / KEVORK DJANSEZIAN

KEY POINTS

Clayton Kershaw is headed to another interesting offseasonTh
The Rangers could be an intriguing landing spot for Kershaw
His overall health status could determine where Kershaw plays next

When he was practically a no-show in the Los Angeles Dodgers postseason run, there were speculations that the MLB career of Clayton Kershaw may be at the crossroads of his career.

The veteran southpaw was dealing with a forearm-elbow injury at the time.

All those retirement speculations were snuffed when the 2020 World Series Champion returned to the Los Angeles Dodgers in full health on a one-year deal worth $17 million in guaranteed money.

Heading into the next MLB free agency, Kershaw finds himself in a similar situation.

His health will once again play a factor in whether he will return for a 16th season.

Regardless, the nine-time All-Star feels good and hints that he will continue to play for at least one more run

"I do think I'm leaning towards playing over not, for sure... I hold the right to change my mind, but as of today, I think that I've got at least one more run," the 2014 NL MVP told Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times

Even at 34 years old, Kershaw has proven that he remains a dominant force in the MLB.

This season, he posted a 2.42 ERA over 115 1/3 innings.

He also remains among the league's best at limiting free passes and barrels. This is aside from having an excellent strikeout and hard-hit ball rates, not to mention a 47.7% grounder rate.

"At the end of the day, pitching is tough on my back. There's no way around that," Kershaw added. "I can manage it, definitely, and maybe there's a time where it can last for eight months of the year and be good. I still think that's in there."

Aside from Los Angeles, the only other MLB team that could make sense for Kershaw is the Texas Rangers.

Between the two, another World Series title by the Dodgers this season factor in the decision of Kershaw.

Should he bag another title with the Dodgers, it cannot be discounted that Kershaw may want a new challenge of being part of another MLB team that can win it all.

He could try and head to Arlington and aid the Rangers in possibly winning their first World Series championship.

With his injuries, Kershaw could always stay put.

For as long as the Dodgers are willing to hand him a reasonable salary, staying in Los Angeles likewise makes sense.