NY Mets: Clayton Kershaw signing will remain a dream

Ever since 2008, there has been one man on the Los Angeles Dodgers that has struck fear into the New York Mets. That man is none other than three-time Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw.

Arguably the best pitcher of this generation, Kershaw has been utterly dominant against the Mets. Over his career, Kershaw has owned Queens, pitching for a 2.19 earned run average in 15 starts, boasting a 10-0 record. Not to mention, Kershaw’s many appearances in crucial games against New York.

Having been a staple of the Mets-Dodgers games for over a decade, Mets fans have built up a strong hatred for Kershaw. However, what if Kershaw was an ideal fit for the Mets pitching staff in 2022? Let’s take a look…

NY Mets: Clayton Kershaw signing will remain a dream

Clayton Kershaw remains dominant

The last time Clayton Kershaw started over 30 games came in 2015. Since then, he has only thrown over 170 innings twice in six seasons. Yet, somehow, Kershaw remains one of the best pitchers in baseball.

The 33-year-old southpaw may no longer be the eight-time All-Star pitcher he was, but he is still an elite pitcher. In 2021, despite being banged up, Kershaw posted a 3.55 earned run average over 121.2 innings. His 10.7 strikeouts per nine innings were even his highest since 2015.

Clearly, there is no questioning Kershaw’s talent. What does need to be taken into consideration is his injury history.

Kershaw is on the decline

For years now, Kershaw has dealt with his fair share of bumps and bruises. Except, as he has gotten older, his miles have begun to show. Thus, leaving one to question the durability of his arm.

The Los Angeles Dodgers could have easily extended Kershaw the qualifying offer, which would pay him $18.4-million over one season. Rather, the Dodgers opted not to, as the only team he has ever known is not considering paying him such a large contract.

Do the Mets take the risk on Kershaw’s durability? For a team that deals with so many injuries as is, it would be a major liability to offer Kershaw a deal reflective of his body of work.  Then again, Kershaw may be exactly what New York needs.

Kershaw is the perfect complement

The Mets do not need a bonafide ace. They have one in Jacob deGrom, who is set to return in 2022 after injuries hindered what may have been the greatest pitching season in MLB history.

What the Mets do need is a number two starter. Outside of deGrom, the Mets options are Taijuan Walker, Carlos Carrasco, Tylor Megill, and David Peterson. As well as Noah Syndergaard, assuming he accepts his qualifying offer as many anticipate him to do.

None of these starting pitchers can replace the consistency of Marcus Stroman in 2021. His 33 starts were the most in baseball last season, and his 3.02 earned run average is going to draw plenty of interest on the free agent market.

With the Mets having so many needs, Kershaw could be the perfect pitcher to be their number two starter. This is an eight-time All-Star with plenty of postseason experience who pitched for a 2.16 earned run average as recently as 2020. From that standpoint, it is a no-brainer.

Mets signing Kershaw is a pipe dream

The reality is, Clayton Kershaw is not coming to the New York Mets. At 33-years-old, the longtime Dodger and Texas native isn’t picking up and moving to Queens, New York.

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In the latter days of his career, Kershaw wants to play for a winning organization. And right now, the Mets cannot even land an interview for their head of baseball operations opening. So, Kershaw pitching in orange and blue remains nothing more than a fantasy.