"As Colletti detailed, Hochevar being available in 2006 pushed back every pitching prospect by one, given that Hochevar went No. 1 overall that year. Four pitchers would be selected after Hochevar, including the Detroit Tigers taking southpaw Andrew Miller right before the Dodgers. If Hochevar had signed with LA the year prior, there would be one less pitcher available, and perhaps the Dodgers wouldn't be able to take Kershaw at No. 7."
"Now that Kershaw has officially announced his retirement from the game of baseball at the end of the 2025 season, there is one last action item for the MVP to achieve before it's all said and done. If Kershaw can go out on top and help his team win the ninth World Series in franchise history, it would be the third ring in his collection and a historic way to close out an illustrious career."
Luke Hochevar declined to sign with the Dodgers after being the team's 2005 first-round pick and returned to the University of Tennessee. Hochevar re-entered the 2006 draft and was selected No. 1 overall, which shifted all pitching prospects down one spot and allowed the Dodgers to select Clayton Kershaw at No. 7. The Dodgers intended to take Kershaw that season. Kershaw became a three-time Cy Young winner and is a future Hall of Famer. Kershaw announced retirement effective at the end of the 2025 season and could finish his career with a third World Series ring and the franchise's ninth title.
Read at Dodgers Nation
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