MLB Notebook: Big decisions loom for Dodgers

Even though the Atlanta Braves have already had their World Series victory parade, there’s still plenty to talk about, especially as free agents begin to ponder their next moves. Here’s this week’s MLB Notebook!

End of the line for Kershaw?

Many members of the nucleus that spurred LA to the 2020 title are at a crossroads. The club extended qualifying offers to Corey Seager and Chris Taylor, but did not give one to longtime ace Clayton Kershaw.

The three-time Cy Young Award winner and 2014 MVP may very well be on the market after winning 185 games in 14 seasons with Los Angeles, and it will be a fascinating situation to watch.

Top Relievers Honored

Year-end awards are starting to be rolled out, and a pair of closers were announced as two of the first on Wednesday. Liam Hendriks won the Mariano Rivera Award as the American League’s top reliever, while Josh Hader earned its National League counterpart, the Trevor Hoffman Award. It’s the second straight award for Hendriks and the third such honor for Hader in the last four years.

Meyers May Miss Opening Day

Jake Meyers emerged as a regular in Houston’s outfield after being called up in mid-season, but his year ended with a torn labrum in the AL Division Series. He underwent surgery Wednesday, and the team says the 25-year-old likely won’t be ready in time for the start of the 2022 campaign.

New Negro League Coins

We’ll finish with a cool story picked up by ESPN’s Jeff Passan on Twitter Wednesday morning. The U.S. Mint and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum are teaming up to issue coins honoring the history of Black baseball in America. Estimates are that the coins could generate $6 million for the museum, which is located in Kansas City.