At this point, it's reasonable to think that the Dodgers are hoping he will opt out after this season, as is his right. The guy just doesn't deliver in the playoffs.
Edit: Clayton Kershaw has allowed 8 home runs in potential elimination games, most of any pitcher in postseason history.
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Aside from his last 3 playoff/series games he wasn’t that great in 2018 and in fact has been mediocre the past 3 years. In 11 seasons, he has really had only 3 really good seasons. Not sure a lot of these pitchers deliver the value they get paid.
No one would have predicted that he'd beat Verlander or Kershaw in a post-season game.
That's my point. Just because Clayton hasn't been great in elimination games doesn't mean that that trend will persist. Though his velocity has fallen off, he's still a great pitcher and wherever he lands the team will surely be happy to have him.
That is not counting any endorsement or bonus money. For 2018 he is the highest paid pitcher in baseball at $M33.8 which includes K$750 in endorsement and memorabilia money. If he does not exercise the opt out clause in the next 3 days he does not become a free agent until after the 2020 season.
I don't know his value on the open market right now.
his velocity is down. He hangs his curve too often and has had back problems the last
2 years. He is not a No.1 starter anymore. Kershaw's pitching style is kind of violent and
I believe it's starting to take its toll. I'm not saying he is done but nowhere worth (considering
baseball salaries these days) $70m over the next 2 years.
Player is guaranteed the quid, but can seek greener pastures. Club cannot.
Cannot imagine that Dodgers would hope he leaves, notwithstanding that the World Series has not been his thing.
He certainly helped the club get there.
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Link: https://www.mlb.com/news/2019-mlb-free-agents/c-293292274