Editorials

Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers Had $300 Million Contract Talks This Year

The Dodgers saw their 2013 season last night in St. Louis, but preparations and discussions about what the team will look like in 2014 are already underway.

Going into the winter, the Dodgers will have 12 free agents and will also look to extend the contracts of Hanley Ramirez and Clayton Kershaw before they become free agents after the 2014 season. However, Buster Olney of ESPN.com reports that the two sides discussed a lucrative contract extension earlier this season:



The Los Angeles Dodgers offered what was essentially a lifetime contract to pitcher Clayton Kershaw earlier this season, for a deal of in the range $300 million — “an A-Rod deal,” according to one source with knowledge of the scope and structure.

Kershaw and his representatives made it known that they didn’t want to discuss a contract extension during the season, but information leaked that they were close to an extension over seven years and for $210 million.

Unfortunately, Kershaw had one of his worst starts of his career last night as he allowed seven runs in just four innings and the Dodgers weren’t able to force a Game 7. While the start won’t cost him any money, it raised concerns that he was used too much as he pitched a career high 259 innings this season.

It’ll be interesting to see if the Dodgers and Kershaw can reach a deal in the offseason as it’d be one less distraction for both sides heading into the 2014 season. $300 million for a player, let alone a pitcher, is a lot, but it’s clear the Dodgers are sure to make it known that Kershaw is the best pitcher in baseball.

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In case you missed it, here’s the Dodgers pool celebration, PLUS Yasiel Puig’s celebration dance off!

http://youtu.be/LknQOqL7uME

Ross Gasmer

Ross Gasmer is a Social Media Producer for @TheHerd and was a contributing writer and editor for Dodger Nation. Follow him on Twitter @Ross_Gasmer12
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