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Woodward: Rangers have been in contact with Kershaw

Norm Hall / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Clayton Kershaw may be playing closer to home next season.

The longtime Los Angeles Dodgers ace and current free agent, who's from Dallas, has been in contact with the Rangers, according to Texas manager Chris Woodward.

Adding Kershaw would be a huge get for the Rangers, who had the third-worst ERA among starting staffs during their 60-102 campaign this past season.

The 33-year-old southpaw has been one of baseball's top starting pitchers since he debuted in 2008, amassing 185 wins and a 2.49 ERA in 14 seasons with the Dodgers.

Kershaw has also won a National League MVP, three NL Cy Young Awards - finishing in the top five on four other occasions - and appeared in eight All-Star Games.

However, he's struggled to stay healthy the past two seasons, making 32 starts due to back and elbow issues. Kershaw is expected to receive a PRP injection in his left elbow after missing the 2021 postseason because of discomfort.

The Rangers are expected to make a push for several free agents this winter, with Kershaw among a notable group that reportedly also includes shortstops Trevor Story, Corey Seager, and Marcus Semien, as well as outfielder Starling Marte and utility player Chris Taylor.

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