Dodgers may not have room anymore for future Hall of Famer

The Dodgers revamped rotation may be bad news for Clayton Kershaw.

The future Hall of Fame pitcher underwent separate surgeries on his left toe and left knee earlier in the offseason. He had said that he not only plans to "crush" his rehab, but he wants to pitch for the Dodgers again in 2025.

There may not be any room for Kershaw in the Dodgers' rotation. Two-time Cy Young award winner Blake Snell and highly coveted prospect Roki Sasaki are expected to be part of the rotation. Shohei Ohtani is working his way back from surgeries to repair a torn labrum and his UCL; he should be ready to pitch early in the season. 

Tyler Glasnow and Yoshinobu Yamamoto should hold down the other two spots with the likes of Tony Gonsolin, Dustin May and Landon Knack waiting in the wings.

Kershaw has battled a litany of injuries over the years as the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign was his last fully healthy season. Those injuries may have caught up to Kershaw in 2024 as he made just seven appearances following offseason back surgery and his toe injury. He posted a 4.50 ERA and a 1.500 WHiP in his 30 innings, striking out 24 batters with nine walks. 

Kershaw may have other options if the Dodgers do not come calling. He had been linked to the Texas Rangers in previous years as his family lives nearby. However, he has spent his entire career in the Dodgers' organization since being selected with the No. 7 pick in the 2006 MLB Draft. 

He could join the likes of Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale as legends to spend their entire careers with the Dodgers. His place in history is secure, even if the Dodgers do not have a spot on the pitching staff for him going forward.