Dodgers News: Clayton Kershaw Reveals Whether or Not He’ll Test Free Agency in Offseason
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw said Monday that he plans to return to pitch during the 2025 season rather than retire. Ahead of Game 2 of the National League Championship Series between the Dodgers and New York Mets, Kershaw announced he intends to return.
“Mentally, I feel great. I had shoulder surgery last offseason, and my shoulder and elbow, everything, my arm, feels great,” Kershaw said on the Fox Sports pregame show. “Obviously, I had some tough luck with my foot this year. But I want to make use of this surgery. I don’t want to have surgery and shut it down. So I’m gonna come back next year and give it a go and see how it goes.”
Kershaw was asked Tuesday if he plans to test out the free agency market. “I’m going to be a Dodger,” Kershaw said to Bill Plunkett of the OC Register.
The 36-year-old left-hander re-signed with the Dodgers last February, agreeing to a one-year, $10 million deal with a player option for the 2025 season. Kershaw has spent his entire career with the Dodgers since Los Angeles drafted him No. 7 overall in 2006. Kershaw has considered signing with the Texas Rangers — his hometown team — in the past, but has continually returned to the Dodgers season after season.
Kershaw was significantly limited throughout the 2024 season because of injury. He did not make his first start until July after he spent the beginning of the year recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. When he did return, he only started seven games before suffering a toe injury that cost him the rest of the season and postseason. He went 2-2 with a 4.50 ERA and 24 strikeouts over those seven starts.
Kershaw’s return will allow him another chance to reach the 3,000 career strikeout mark, a feat only 19 other players in MLB history have achieved. Kershaw currently holds 2,968 strikeouts, making him 32 away from joining the 3,000 strikeout club.
Regardless of what Kershaw accomplishes next season, he has already established himself as one of the greatest pitchers of all time. He is a 10-time MLB All-Star, World Series Champion, NL MVP, three-time Cy Young award-winner, and has even led the league in ERA five different times over his career.
Photo Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
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