Many teams will be in play for coveted free agent pitcher Clayton Kershaw this offseason, and as the open market begins to heat up, his market is beginning to take shape. One team is already reported to have made contact with Kershaw, and they may be looking to utilize their hometown connection to bring him on board.

According to MLB Trade Rumors, the Texas Rangers have been in contact with the superstar southpaw. Kershaw is a Dallas native, so the idea of playing in his home state may be of intrigue to the 33-year-old.

Of course, Kershaw will likely take some time before making any decision on his future, and there will be many more teams getting in contact with his representation over the coming weeks. Still, the Rangers are looking to build something at their new ballpark, and who better to lead the charge than one of baseball's most decorated pitchers?

Rangers manager Chris Woodward also has a strong relationship with Kershaw, whom he coached while a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers coaching staff.

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Last season, Kershaw started 22 games for the Los Angeles Dodgers, recording a 3.55 ERA and 144 strikeouts across 121 2/3 innings of work. Injuries have been somewhat of a concern for the veteran over the past few years. Kershaw hasn't made 30 starts or thrown more than 180 innings since in a single season since 2015. Despite the ailments, he's managed to make four All-Star Games during that span.

Across his renowned career, Kershaw has started 376 games and boasts 2,670 strikeouts, 185 wins, and an incredible 2.49 ERA. Rangers fans will be hopeful the front office can make some magic happen and bring the superstar back home.