What Clayton Kershaw re-signing with Dodgers means for pitching market

Kershaw, 34, had a nice return to form in 2022, posting a 12-3 record with a 2.28 ERA in 126.1 innings. He also made his ninth All-Star Game.

MLB Trade Rumors posted its annual free-agent predictions piece Thursday night, and each of the four writers who participated thought Kershaw would go back to Los Angeles.

The Texas Rangers, Kershaw's hometown team growing up, were expected to be serious players for his services in each of the past two offseasons. 

Texas will turn its attention elsewhere in what should be a deep market for starting pitching. It's highlighted by righties Chris Bassitt, Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard and Justin Verlander and lefties Carlos Rodón, Martín Peréz, Tyler Anderson and José Quintana. Kershaw's removal from this list only really affects the Dodgers and Rangers on the surface.

At least one of MLBTR's panel members predicts that Rodón (14-8, 2.88 ERA) or deGrom (5-4, 3.08 ERA) could go to the Rangers this offseason. With Texas coming off a sixth straight losing season, it may be ready to aim high after bringing aboard infielders Marcus Semien and Corey Seager during last year's free-agent frenzy.

Should the Rangers sign one of the star-caliber pitchers available as well as left-hander Martín Peréz, who reportedly has mutual interest in a reunion, their club becomes much more of a threat. 

Now that Kershaw is off the board, expect Texas to push hard for at least one of the big free-agent fish, putting pressure on the rest of the league to outbid the Rangers if they can.