Clayton Kershaw leaves door open for possible retirement after Dodgers’ shocking playoff exit

Coming off his age-35 marketing campaign, a brutal postseason get started, and a surprising NLDS sweep to the Diamondbacks, is Dodgers mythical moundsman Clayton Kershaw thinking about retirement? That seems to be an open query after Kershaw’s fresh remarks. 

Kershaw was once requested about his long run following the Dodgers’ removing in Wednesday’s Game 3 loss to Arizona. His reaction was once succinct however notable for its uncertainties: 

“I don’t know how to answer that right now,” Kershaw told reporters. 

Still uncooked, unquestionably, is his efficiency in Game 1 of the sequence, when he allowed six runs to the Diamondbacks and was once ready to report just one out earlier than being pulled. Fair or now not, it was once the most recent instance of a playoff misstep by means of Kershaw, whose numbers within the postseason have not risen to his singular excellence within the common season. 

Kershaw was once exceptional on a rate-basis in 2023, however his season was once compromised by means of shoulder problems an ongoing speed loss. Injuries and lowered stuff were a number one subplot all through the latter part of Kershaw’s occupation, but if wholesome he is nonetheless been ready to succeed in excellence. 

He returned for the 2023 season on a one-year, $20 million contract, so loose company awaits him will have to he come to a decision to go back for his age-36 season. The disappointments of every other premature playoff exit for the Dodgers are most likely being too keenly felt at this time to make a clear-headed choice. Kershaw unquestionably is aware of this, which is why he is most likely being fair when he says he does not understand how to respond to the query at this juncture. 

Whatever the long run holds for the adorned lefty, a first-ballot spot within the Hall of Fame definitely awaits him. For now, although, the most recent sting of October is most likely crowding out all different issues.