The Los Angeles Dodgers have made significant moves to address their starting pitching concerns this offseason, aiming to avoid another early postseason exit. While the signing of Shohei Ohtani provides a long-term solution, the immediate focus is on Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow leading the rotation.

The latest addition to the Dodgers’ pitching arsenal is veteran James Paxton, who signed a one-year contract worth up to $13 million. Despite finishing the previous season on the injured list, Paxton’s early performances showed promise, with a 2.73 ERA in his first 10 starts and impressive strikeout and walk rates.

However, Paxton’s arrival raises questions about the future of Clayton Kershaw in the rotation. General manager Brandon Gomes hinted at a possible six-man rotation to alleviate the strain on starters, considering the injury history of Glasnow, the adjustment for Yamamoto, and Buehler’s return from surgery. The challenge lies in ensuring the team has enough quality arms to manage this rotation without relying too heavily on bullpen games.

While Kershaw’s return remains uncertain due to offseason shoulder surgery, the Dodgers have built a pitching staff that may not necessarily require his presence. Other pitchers like Emmet Sheehan, Michael Grove, Ryan Yarbrough, and Gavin Stone could contribute in the interim. Nonetheless, the Dodgers have left the door open for Kershaw to re-sign and return to the team he has called home throughout his career.

Kershaw’s health is the primary concern, as the left-hander has proven to be effective when in peak condition. The recovery timeline for his shoulder surgery suggests a return in the second half of the season. The Dodgers acknowledge the risk but remain interested in his services.

Without the pressure of being a frontline starter, Kershaw could join the team once fully cleared and take on a reduced workload. A delayed start to his season might allow him to enter the playoffs with a fresh arm, but his effectiveness upon return is yet to be determined.

If the Dodgers choose to re-sign Kershaw, he would begin the season on the 60-day injured list until ready to return. From there, he could be slotted into the back end of the rotation, providing valuable support and helping manage the workload of other pitchers.

The future of Clayton Kershaw with the Dodgers is still uncertain, but the team has constructed a pitching staff that can potentially thrive even without his presence. As the 2024 season unfolds, the Dodgers will carefully navigate their options, keeping the door open for a Kershaw comeback and seeking to maximize their pitching resources for another title run.