The Los Angeles Dodgers have always been known for their star-studded lineup and their relentless pursuit of a championship. With names like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Shohei Ohtani on their roster, it’s no surprise that they have become one of the most feared teams in Major League Baseball. However, despite their impressive lineup, the Dodgers seem to have a weakness for recycling old storylines. And with the recent rumors of a reunion with a former teammate, it seems like the front office is once again tempted by a fading plot twist.
It’s no secret that the Dodgers have a deep love for stockpiling aces. Year after year, they have made big moves to acquire top pitchers in the league. And while this strategy has certainly paid off in the past, it also seems to have blinded them to the potential risks of revisiting a former teammate.
The player in question is none other than Clayton Kershaw, who spent his entire 13-year career with the Dodgers before becoming a free agent this offseason. Kershaw has been a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ pitching rotation, with three Cy Young Awards and eight All-Star appearances to his name. However, in recent years, his performance has been marred by injuries and inconsistencies.
Despite this, the Dodgers have reportedly shown interest in bringing back their former ace. And while it may seem like a heartwarming reunion, it also raises concerns about the team’s championship ambitions and the future of the franchise.
First and foremost, the Dodgers need to consider the impact of Kershaw’s recent performances on the team’s success. While he may still have the potential to be a dominant pitcher, his injury history and declining numbers cannot be ignored. In the past three seasons, Kershaw has missed significant time due to various injuries, including back and shoulder issues. And when he has been on the mound, his ERA has steadily increased, reaching a career-high 3.66 in 2021.
Furthermore, the Dodgers already have a strong pitching rotation, with names like Walker Buehler, Julio Urias, and Max Scherzer leading the way. Bringing back Kershaw would not only add to their already high payroll, but it could also disrupt the chemistry of the team. It’s no secret that the Dodgers have struggled with injuries this season, and adding another aging pitcher to the mix may not be the best solution.
Moreover, the Dodgers’ pursuit of Kershaw raises questions about their long-term plans and the direction of the franchise. At 33 years old, Kershaw is not getting any younger, and it’s unclear how much longer he can continue to pitch at a high level. By bringing him back, the Dodgers would be sacrificing the opportunity to invest in younger, up-and-coming talent that could help secure their future success.
But perhaps the biggest concern for the Dodgers is the message it sends to their current players and fans. By chasing after a former teammate, the front office is essentially saying that they don’t have confidence in their current roster to win a championship. This could have a demoralizing effect on the team and could potentially harm their chances of success in the long run.
In addition, it’s worth noting that the Dodgers have already faced backlash for their lack of activity at the trade deadline. While other teams were making big moves to improve their rosters, the Dodgers remained relatively quiet. Bringing back Kershaw may seem like a way to make up for this, but it could also be seen as a desperate attempt to salvage their season.
In the end, the Dodgers need to carefully consider the consequences of reuniting with an old teammate. While the idea may seem romantic and nostalgic, it could also have serious implications for the team’s future success. The front office must prioritize the long-term stability of the franchise and resist the temptation to recycle old storylines.
As fans, we all want to see the Dodgers win a championship. But it’s important to remember that success is not just about winning in the present, but also about building a strong foundation for the future. And while it may be tempting to revisit a familiar face, the Dodgers must resist the urge and focus on creating a winning team with a bright future ahead.
