Dodgers Team News

Dodgers News: Clayton Kershaw’s Statement On Contract Extension

Clayton KershawLos Angeles Dodgers’ GM Ned Colletti and President Stan Kasten took time Friday morning to announce the seven-year, $215 million deal for NL Cy Young award winner Clayton Kershaw.

Kershaw was not in attendance but the deal was officially announced and becomes the biggest contract ever for a pitcher. The deal was reported on Wednesday and came after the left-hander had filed for salary arbitration.



Via a press release, Kershaw shared his thoughts and feelings on the new deal:

It is an incredible privilege to be part of the Los Angeles Dodger organization for another seven years, said Kershaw. L.A. has become a second home to me and my wife, and I’m excited for the opportunity to represent the city for a long time to come.

Kershaw was drafted by the Dodgers with the seventh overall pick in the 2006 amateur draft and climbed through the ranks to reach the majors in 2008. He’s developed into arguably the best pitcher in the big leagues at the moment and has won two of the past three NL Cy Young awards. The left-hander has led the league in ERA and been named an All-Star the past three seasons. Last season, Kershaw went 16-9 with a 1.83 ERA and 232 strikeouts in 33 starts for the Dodgers.

The left-hander added more on what the deal means to him:

 With this contract comes tremendous responsibility, not only as a pitcher, but as a good steward of the resources given to me. To whom much is given, much is required. Ellen and I are excited to take an undeserved blessing and, Lord willing, make a difference in the lives of others.

Not only does Kershaw dominate on the field, but he’s become one of the better humanitarians off the field. He’s created his own charity, Kershaw’s Challenge, with his wife Ellen and has even traveled to Africa to donate his time helping those in need. He won the 2012 Roberto Clemente Award, which is given to a player for community involvement and sportsmanship.

Kershaw and the Dodgers figure to be together for a long time and the team hopes it comes with its’ first World Series title since 1988.

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ICYMI: The Dodgers and Clayton Kershaw agreed to a record-breaking extension

Vincent Samperio

Vince is currently the Associate Editor and Social Media Manager for Dodgers Nation. Hailing from San Pedro, CA and a student at Cal State Long Beach, Vince has previously written for the Daily 49er and LASF Magazine.

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