The extended MLB lockout meant fans had plenty of time to speculate where free agents like Clayton Kershaw would end up once the league opened again.
Would he stay with the Los Angeles Dodgers, or continue his career elsewhere with a clean slate?
Rumors pointed towards a return and MLB insider Ken Rosenthal made Dodgers fans very happy on Friday.
Free-agent left-hander Clayton Kershaw is in agreement with the Dodgers on a one-year deal, pending a physical, sources tell @TheAthletic.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 11, 2022
He broke the news that the southpaw is indeed returning to the Dodgers on a one-year deal.
Kershaw now continues his career with the only MLB team he has ever known.
A Reunion Always Made Sense
The lefty has been with the team since 2008 and has won three Cy Young awards in that span.
He is one of the best and most accomplished pitchers in MLB history, and it made no sense for him to head elsewhere, especially if ownership is not concerned about spending.
It is no secret that Kershaw is not the same pitcher he once was.
He just wrapped up a 2021 season in which he had a 3.55 ERA in 22 starts.
Now, a mark of 3.55 is nothing to look past, but this is a pitcher with a career ERA of 2.49.
He is so good that above-average numbers almost look bad for him.
The ultimate goal was achieved in 2020 when the Dodgers won the World Series.
Yet that came in the unique, shortened campaign that was impacted by COVID-19.
Perhaps Kershaw wants to stay in Los Angeles and chase another title, this time in a full season of games.
NEXT: Dave Roberts Has Extremely High Expectations For The Dodgers In 2022
