Clayton Kershaw: the Yankees wanted him in a trade

Clayton Kershaw has enjoyed an illustrious MLB career. The Dodgers starter, who won't be back in 2026, was unquestionably one of the best pitchers of his generation.

In fact, he was one of the best pitchers in history, period.

In the end, Kershaw spent his entire career in a Dodgers uniform. The idea of him joining the Rangers in his native Texas at the end of his career has circulated in recent years, but the left-hander has never worn another uniform.

And yet, it's not because other teams never tried to get Kershaw: in an interview with MLB Network Radio, Brian Cashman revealed that when Kershaw was in the minors, he worked hard to try to pry him away from the Dodgers.

As a result, Kershaw could have worn a Yankees uniform instead of a Dodgers one.

Many GM's across baseball tried to swipe Clayton Kershaw from the Dodgers, including Brian Cashman.@Yankees | @Dodgers | #RepBX | #LetsGoDodgers
https://t.co/fGPbvbj8w4 pic.twitter.com/kb1roaDAU0

– MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) September 21, 2025

We know that Kershaw, a first-round pick (seventh overall) in 2006, quickly put himself on the map as he made his way through the Dodgers' affiliates. He made his major league debut in 2008, but was already known to be special as a prospect.

His curveball, which made him a legend in the Majors, was already attracting attention as a prospect.

Clayton Kershaw's 12-6 curveball is a pitch that will be talked about for generations pic.twitter.com/D8fLcJjaxA

– MLB (@MLB) September 20, 2025

Of course, it's interesting to wonder if other teams also considered getting their hands on Kershaw before he arrived in the Majors. That said, you get the feeling that the Dodgers knew they had a top-quality pitcher on their hands, and weren't exactly eager to part with him.

And history has proven them right.

For the Yankees, a rotation led by Kershaw and CC Sabathia in the 2010s would have produced a ferocious duo at the top of the club's rotation. And arguably, it could have brought an extra World Series or two to that group.

But in the end, the Dodgers have to be happy with their decision. And in a few years, Kershaw will be walking into Cooperstown wearing a Dodgers cap.

This content was created with the help of AI.