Clayton Kershaw chooses Dodgers over Texas Rangers, who quickly reunite with another lefty

Martin Perez agrees to come home on a one-year deal, filling a need for innings in the rotation.

Martin Perez was originally signed by the Rangers in 2007 as a 16-year-old international free agent. (The Associated Press/Michael Ainsworth).

SURPRISE, Ariz. — Signing left-hander Clayton Kershaw was a dream for the Texas Rangers, who offered familiarity and a chance to play near his Dallas home.

But they couldn’t overcome the legacy Kershaw had built with the Los Angeles Dodgers, nor could the Rangers offer him the same chance at winning a World Series.

He’s off the market after signing a one-year incentive-laden deal worth $17 million guaranteed, but the Rangers still added a left-hander to the rotation.

Martin Perez is on his way back to the team that signed him as a 16-year-old in 2007, agreeing to a one-year contract reportedly worth $4 million.

The Rangers need innings from their rotation and were always going to sign a starter. Perez gives the Rangers four starters, along with lefty Taylor Hearn and right-handers Jon Gray and Dane Dunning.