The Los Angeles Dodgers will be without their ace in Walker Buehler for the entire 2023 season.
However, that isn’t dampening the team’s optimism heading into a new season.
Last year, they won 111 games en route to their ninth NL West title in the last 10 years.
After an NLDS exit, they lost a few pieces in free agency, but managed to keep left-hander Clayton Kershaw around.
He re-signed with the Dodgers early in the offseason after another solid season.
In 22 starts, Kershaw won 12 games and posted an ERA of 2.28.
On Twitter, the Dodgers posted a graphic of the veteran left-hander, celebrating yet another year of his services.
Year 16 for Kersh. #PhotoDay pic.twitter.com/Sdc0g5As7A
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) February 22, 2023
Kershaw has essentially done everything possible during his tenure with the Dodgers.
From 2011-14, the lefty won three Cy Youngs and even earned MVP honors in 2014.
He has also won five ERA titles, a Pitching Triple Crown, an MLB Player of the Year Award, a Gold Glove, and a World Series title in 2020.
The 34-year-old has also been an All-Star nine times.
But what makes Kershaw so special is that he has managed to accomplish so much with just one team.
Much like Adam Wainwright, Yadier Molina, Derek Jeter, Buster Posey, and Joey Votto, Kershaw has been with one organization his entire career.
He came up to the Majors with the Dodgers in 2008 and immediately became the club’s ace.
The one constant through all the years for the Dodgers has been Kershaw.
Now, he’ll suit up for his 16th MLB season and will look to lead the Dodgers to the postseason again.
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