After a second straight year of coming tantalizingly close to winning his first ring, Clayton Kershaw has a decision looming. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand tweets some of his conversation with Kershaw (Twitter links), who has until end of day Wednesday to decide whether to opt out of his current contract. Said Kershaw, “I know the future questions are obviously coming for myself…. I’ve got three days now to think about all of that stuff before anything happens. And so it will be an eventful three days for me, and I’ll try to figure it out.” MLBTR readers voted on Kershaw’s future here, but it’s up to him now, and he has until midnight ET Thursday morning to decide. Now, some coaching notes around the NL…
- Dave Roberts’ future resides in contract limbo as well, as his contract situation with the Dodgers remains unresolved, per the Athletic’s Pedro Moura. Roberts made some questionable tactical choices this postseason, mostly regarding bullpen use, but winning back-to-back pennants is no small feat, and it would be surprising to see the Dodgers move in a different direction so soon. Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe notes that the Dodgers could simply pick up their $1.1MM option for 2019, but going into a lame duck season might not be the path either side is most interested in pursuing.
- The Cardinals have named Jeff Albert as their new hitting coach, per Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle. Albert started his coaching career in the Cardinals organization, but moved to the Houston Astros in 2013, spending four seasons from 2013-2017 as their minor-league hitting coordinator. Last season, Albert joined A.J. Hinch’s staff in Houston as an assistant hitting coach. Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch adds that Triple-A manager Stubby Clapp will become the team’s new first base coach. Clapp received some consideration for managerial openings this October, but he’ll instead move to the big-league club in St. Louis.
What’s there to think about? Him opting out is 100% a no brainer. It’s not like the dodgers wouldn’t offer him something like 5/125 if he were to opt out anyways.
Can’t see the Dodgers offering anything beyond what’s currently offered. He would be wise to opt in at this point.
Kershaw could opt out and every team willing to spend would give him $100M+ Teams would line up to offer him a 4-5 year deal in the neighborhood of $25-30M per. He’s guaranteed nearly $70M so he won’t touch the AAV but he’ll easily get more than $70M
At his age and with his (relatively) declining results over the last couple of years, I don’t think he’d get that kind of contract. Front offices are smarter than they used to be about offering mega contracts to aging superstars.
Yeah, I doubt it. I’m not sure his 90mph still plays anywhere but LA. And at his age? If he opts out he’s leaving $$$ on the table. He’s going nowhere.
The general consensus is that Kershaw’s contract is tradeable at this point. If you are a free agent you don’t sign to a tradeable contract. He will opt out or be extended.
Kershaw, with ten and 5 rights …. plus a clause in his contract, cannot be traded anywhere without his okay. He may opt out, but he will sign with the Dodgers, a final playing contract, with a modest raise. Take it to the bank!
His point is that the contract has serplus value and therefore they would be willing to give him more. I also believe he will resign
The Dodgers will offer an extension, plus a modest increase. Kershaw is the face of the Dodgers; Mark Walter, Managing Owner Partner, has several times expressed the desire to make CK a Dodger for life
Totally FINE by me!!!
Anyone saying he won’t get a 100m or more contract doesn’t understand baseball dynamics. A 30 year old, 3x cry young award winner with injury history will get 4-5 years min with a AAV or of 30m or more… look at what Strasburg got.. even though he had all his injuries.. it’s fairly cut and dry, I’m going to say 5/150 for his contract.. and prob with an opt out and incentives
I’m surprised, but very happy, that Stubby Clapp will remain with the Cards.
I’m with you. He’s a good coach to have around, IMO.
Dodgers need a new manager.
Roberts is starting to remind me of Bobby Cox – very solid over the course of 162 games, but doesn’t make the necessary and/or right adjustments in a pressure-packed short series. You can afford a three game lapse in the regular season. Not so in October.
Agree 100%, never seen that much of cox but agree to the point of not changing the way he manages. Could have just trusted his guys and not went the numbers route. I got the vibe he never felt the pressure and was just too relaxed, which worked perfectly during the season but can’t work in a 7 game series.
A little different. Bobby trusted his guys more than anything which lead to 14 division titles. (He had some teams where they won more than they probably should have which is a credit to Cox.) It would bite him in his butt once he got to the postseason though. But the refusal to change what works both got both managers to the postseason and prevented from winning it all.
Except Cox won it all in 1995.
And would fight for his players. Isn’t he number one on most ejections? He would take the hit to keep his players in the game.
I don’t think that Dave Roberts’ post season decisions had anything to do with the Dodgers just being clearly outmatched. I’m not sure that any decision Roberts made, would have had any different of an outcome in the 2018 World Series. Much respect for DR and the Dodgers.
The Sox were picked to win way before the series even started. All of those people saying the ALCS was the real championship and all. It wasn’t surprising the Dodgers lost.
Roberts works well with players and gets along with the front office it seems. Problem is that he has a tough time managing outside the box of analytics, and it’s here that he’s a lesser manager than some others.
The game really does seem like it’s struggling to find the right balance between data/analytics and the more human element of managing. Have we gone overboard on the data front, or will the data front simply get better (which clearly it needs to do)?
I think you’ve hit on a very solid reason why Cora looked so good in the postseason. He made many decisions based on data, but didn’t seem to be afraid to trust his eyes, either. I think your point is well made. Like it or not, baseball is in the midst of a huge transition right now. I’d guess it’ll be a decade or so before there’s much clarity to the situation… but for now, it seems that neither managers completely data obsessed nor those who completely ignore it are destined for glory these days.
I’m wondering just how severe the “pitcher use revolution” will get. Will we get to the point where clubs just carry 12 pitchers, without much (if any) differentiation between starters and relievers?
Agree.
Overboard…. Off the Deep End!!!!!
So all this blame on Roberts….What about 2008 and 2009 under Torre? What about 13-15 under Mattingly? Now for 3 years under Roberts…Over an 11 year stretch the Dodgers have won the division 8 years and only made the World Series twice…both times under Dave Roberts.
I don’t think you can blame Dave Roberts alone…..
Baseball has so many armchair managers these days its pathetic.
Roberts decisions are made in the Front Office. He has no leeway ….. save for potty breaks.
Back in the early to mid 70s, Stubby Clapp would be two words you’d never want to hear.
Not sure why any team other than the Dodgers would pay Kershaw 30M a year? I mean, yes he’s fantastic, but the Dodgers have fantastic rotation depth so they don’t need to get 30 starts from him and while people can try and deny it to their graves, he doesn’t pitch his best games in the postseason.
He’s fantastic but declining, and he now has some mental baggage in the post-season.
NY Yankees come to mind as a team that would be interested if Kershaw opts out
HE WOULDN’T!!!!!
I don’t think it’s the 30 or 35 a year. I think it’s the fact that his contract is running out in two years, and even if he gets 20 for another 7-10 years that’s more money and longer playing time he will have. You can add in his injuries for why he needs to opt out and get a longer contract.
He’s not worth $30-$35 million per year, he’s a moron to opt out of this contract!
Kershaw wants a longer contract, the money not so much
It would be surprising if he doesn’t opt out. Some team will give him 5 years guaranteed with a $25-30 million annual salary. Wouldn’t be surprised if there were options years for 6 and 7 along with an opt out offer three.
10 years ago he would (at a comparable AAV for the time), but I don’t think he will these days.
Clearly as much as I dislike Boston they were the better team. That said, the micromanaging of pitching and not letting your best players play has me wondering who is pulling the strings for the Dodgers? Let Kershaw leave if he wants. He’s still effective on most nights, but his health at age 30 is compromising his shelf life and entering into a longer term contract could be Puljos – like. Bye bye Machado. I’d rather have grinders who hustle than a baseball diva. Roberts or whom ever likely are neutered by Friedman and Zaidi so his staying or going not much of an issue.
Diva huh? I bet Puig “doesn’t play the game the right way” either, does he? You losers and your pathetic racist dog whistling: guess what Mr Grinder: those players are in playing p-r-o-f-e-s-s-i-o-n-a-l-l-y, get it? They get paid to play the game. You pay to watch the game. You don’t like the way game is played by certain players? Create a time machine and travel back to before baseball was integrated, like you secretly want to but don’t have the testicals to admit…
Hmm. Do you have any critical thinking skills? Is it possible for you to explain yourself rationally? All I’m getting is insult for insult sake. Maybe you should go back to elementary school and learn to play nicely or see a therapist.
Racist huh? Please explain how so. I’ll wait
Just like anybody who criticized Obama was automatically “racist?” That kind of attitude takes idiocy to the level of disgusting.
And yes, Friedman and Zaidi do pull the strings on lineups and pitching use. This was most recently confirmed during Friday’s MLB Network Radio pre-game show.
Thank you for the explanation. Idk how people jump to the racist card based on a statement taking about Machado not hustling. He said it himself. It is a fact. If he was white, green, blue, I would say the same thing. If he doesn’t hustle regardless of race and race wasn’t brought up at all then the original comment stands with no need to insult someone.
Calling out a dude who admitted he doesn’t alway hustle is racist now?
I guess so. How did so many people start thinking like this?
Puig is a breath of fresh air. He has so much passion and plays the game in a good way like a child. I don’t think claiming Machado as a diva is that far off base though. This is a guy who has thrown a bat at player, doesn’t give it his all, and probably spikes guys on purpose. He also got mad at some player once because he “tagged him to hard”.
Couldn’t agree more. Die hard brewer fan here and I love watching Puig play because he plays the game the way I would want to play if I could.
One day, Machado is going to take a 98mph fastball in the ribs. I just hope he learns from it.
Regarding Puig, I’ll take him on my team any day. In spite of his shaky defense.
That’s awesome. Nice to see that some people are getting him.
Wow! Who set your clown shoes on fire?
Most Dodger fans like Puig as he gives 100% at all times. Machado is a punk and dogs it half the time. Save your pathetic racist rants for a CNN blog.
Kershaw opting out is a no-brainer. Any big market team combined with the fact that mid-market teams like Atlanta have cash and there’s no doubt if all else fails he can get a Cespedes part one type contract that includes a one-year opt out. Even if it’s like a 2/60 w/ a player option those extra couple millions are worth trying to get a long term pack from someone.
It will be interesting if Kershaw opts out since I would imagine the Dodgers would have new offer on table before he opts out if they want to retain him. No point letting him opt out and shop around unless they are done with him.
Herisher as Manager? Mike Pizza?
I think Mike Pizza is already under contract for the AAA affiliate Pepperonis.
Honestly the only reason for the Dodgers to sign Kershaw is to cement himself here for HOF, number retirement, legacy ect. That may very well be reason enough to sign him. For just pure on field performance its really dicey to give him anything more than 150 million
Kershaw is still an elite pitcher, regardless of his post-season woes. The Dodgers would be fools to let him walk.
Red Sox were heavy faves for a reason. Nothing else to really say. I’m hoping Manny’s postseason lowers the price for my Phillies. We’ll take him gladly. As for Kershaw, his best days are behind him. Someone will overpay him if he hits the market. If I were LA I’d hope he opts out & then let him walk
Regarding Kershaw it’s what have you done for me lately with fans. Kershaw is obviously declining and raising questions about durability and reliability, but the man continues to pitch well when he’s healthy every year during the regular season. And that is worth at least 3-4 years and more than the $65 M remaining on his 2 years left. 4 years, $90M would make both sides happy? Buehler, Kershaw and Ryu would be a very nice 1-2-3 top of rotation for the Dodgers.
The NLwest will not be a very competitive division especially if Arizona decides to rebuild. The national league pennant can be won again by LA, but to get there they could use Kershaw.
Unless he just falls off a cliff over the next 2 years, he could probably get more than $90M over the next 4 years between the 2 years left on his current deal and whatever deal he’d sign next after that. He’d be better off not opting out if that’s all he thinks he’ll get.
Dodger roster needs:
– upgrade their catching
– find a lead-off batter who can simply put the ball in play
– trade either Puig or Petersen for a OF that is a contact hitter
– move Jansen and at least two other bullpen members
– find a spot for Urias in the rotation
– sign Kershaw if the price is reasonable – Buehler is now the number one option
As for Roberts, the “home run or nothing” and the “platoon at all cost” strategies have to go ore it is time to move on.
Agree they need to trade an OF but not for another OF. They have to free up space their, not contiue the logjam. Jansen wont be traded.
You’re dealing to open a spot for Verdugo, no?
Catcher will be interesting. I’d like to see them trade for Realmuto, but the cost will be high. They need to put a focus on making more contact. Jansen won’t be moved. Hopefully he comes back strong next year and they realize after the last two World Series that he is not a multi-inning closer. Would be great if Baez builds on his success at the end of the season. I never thought I’d actually want the Dodgers to bring him in!
I hope they are able to resign Kershaw. I think Ryu’s a free agent also. But Buehler, Kershaw, Urias, Hill and pretty solid choices for the fifth starter would make for a good rotation. I hate to think of Kershaw leaving, but after Fernando, Hershiser, and Sutton, it’s a possibility.
-Grandal is the best catching option on the market.
-You want a different lead off hitter than anyone in the roster, but what position would he play?
– Trading an affordable talented OF in Puig or Pederson for another OF is a terrible idea. If they traded one of those two it would be for an arm.
-Move Jansen? TF..?
-Kershaw, Buehler, Ryu, Hill. Urias Wood Maeda and Stripling battle for the fifth spot.
More than likely the Dodgers will look pretty similar.
Petersen & prospect to Seattle for Zunino
Why on earth would Kershaw walk? No way with his health issues and declining results compared to past high standards plus increasing age and innings on his arm would he get an AAV anywhere his current contract. Sure he is still likely to get four or five years for a total of higher than the current two but after the current contract ends those two or three years will still be there.
It’s a safe bet to say that Kershaw wants to pitch longer than just 2 more years. And if he opts in then he will collect his $65 million and hope he rebounds to an elite pitcher at age 32 when he’s next eligible for free agency.
If Kershaw opts out then some team (most likely the Dodgers) will sign him to 3-4 maybe 5 years for more than $65 million. His AAV will likely be less than $35 million, but so what? He will get more money and more job security.
It’s a no-brainer for Kershaw to opt out. However if he doesn’t then that would certainly help the Dodgers, but he is banking on his velocity rising, his back healing and his postseason jitters all suddenly going away to secure another big pay day. Not many people think those stars will align.
On Sunday (the day before this post was published) Andrew Friedman said he was going to make a longterm extension offer to Roberts. It never fails to amaze me how anyone could still wonder whether the game plan we see the Dodgers implement on the field belongs to Roberts or Friedman. The fingerprints are all over the body. No mystery here.