Los Angeles, California – The Los Angeles Dodgers have re-signed their long-time star pitcher, Clayton Kershaw, for his 17th season in the major leagues, according to a source familiar with the matter. The deal is pending a physical examination, which is scheduled for Thursday. While the club has not yet confirmed the move, Kershaw’s return to the team appears imminent.
Although Kershaw recently underwent shoulder surgery after the Dodgers’ loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League Division Series, he is expected to make his comeback next summer. Despite this setback, Kershaw remains one of the most accomplished pitchers in baseball history. He has been named the National League Most Valuable Player, secured three Cy Young Awards, and won a World Series championship. With a lifetime 2.48 ERA, Kershaw ranks second in AL/NL history for pitchers with over 1,000 innings, trailing only Mariano Rivera.
While Kershaw’s performance in the postseason has been inconsistent, he played a crucial role in the Dodgers’ 2020 World Series title run, recording a 2.93 ERA over five starts. Selected as the seventh overall pick in the 2006 MLB Draft, Kershaw has devoted his entire career to the Dodgers, contributing to the team’s unprecedented success. Under his leadership, the Dodgers have made the playoffs for 11 consecutive years, winning 10 NL West titles and three NL pennants.
From 2011 to 2017, Kershaw reached his peak, consistently making the NL All-Star team and finishing within the top five of NL Cy Young voting. During this period, he achieved a remarkable 2.10 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, and 5.74 K/BB ratio in 207 starts. Kershaw’s dominance earned him numerous accolades, including three NL Cy Young Awards and an NL MVP Award in 2014, where he posted a 1.77 ERA and 239 strikeouts.
Despite battling injuries and a decline in velocity, Kershaw has continued to excel in recent years. Since 2018, he has maintained a 2.77 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and a 5.09 K/BB ratio over 133 appearances. His ability to adapt and perform at a high level has solidified his status as one of the game’s elite pitchers.
The return of Clayton Kershaw is a significant boost for the Dodgers, reaffirming their commitment to maintaining a strong and formidable roster. As the team looks towards the future, Kershaw’s experience and talent will undoubtedly play a crucial role in their pursuit of continued success.