Los Angeles Dodgers future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw has the lowest ERA in baseball since 2008 with an absurd mark of 2.51. Through 77.2 innings of work this season, the 37-year-old Kershaw has a 3.01 ERA along with an ERA+ of 139, with the league average being 100.
The veteran southpaw hasn’t just demonstrated elite longevity as a major league pitcher, but has been pivotal for a Dodgers team that has constantly dealt with injuries to the pitching staff.
On the stat sheet, having Kershaw choose to return for an 18th season has paid off, but according to the contract incentives that the MVP inked ahead of this season, his productive play has almost doubled his money.
More news: Dodgers Make Roster Move, Send Down Recently Called-Up Pitcher
Kershaw returned on a $7.5 million base salary this offseason. His last three starts have earned him $1 million each, and according to the Orange County Register’s Bill Plunkett, he is set to earn another $1 million for start No. 16 of the year against the Colorado Rockies on Thursday.
Additionally, the future Hall of Famer collected $4.5 million in a bonus for his 90 days of service time this season. Thursday will mark Kershaw maxing out his $16 million contract, doubling what his base salary was this offseason.
Injuries have unfortunately been a part of Kershaw’s recent history on the mound, but his availability isn’t just a novelty for the longest-tenured member of the Dodgers, as he is playing a key part in his ball club’s success this season.
The veteran spoke about his perspective at this stage in his career, while also remembering the bigger pitcture that comes with having worn a Dodgers uniform for nearly two decades.
“I’d rather pitch than not. That’s why we’re here,” he said. “I’ve always appreciated being a part of the Dodgers because you’re never pitching just to pitch. There’s always a bigger goal, a bigger motivation behind it. That makes it have more meaning.
“I’m thankful for that. It’s special because you look around the league and there’s a lot of guys that never even have that opportunity that are really great players.”
More news: Dave Roberts Reveals He Removed Shohei Ohtani Because of Injury, Provides Update on Dodgers Star
Photo Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Have you joined our Discord Channel yet? Be a part of the ultimate Dodgers Nation community and get VIP Nation Access! Don’t miss out on real-time Dodgers talk, call-in access to Dodgers Dougout, behind-the-scenes content, exclusive interviews, giveaways, and more!
