Despite reaching free agency for the third consecutive offseason, Clayton Kershaw found his way back to the Los Angeles Dodgers on a new one-year contract that includes a player option for 2025.
The left-hander is entering his 17th season with the organization, but will be sidelined until the summer months while recovering from left shoulder surgery.
Since making his MLB debut in 2008, Kershaw has faced many of the sport’s all-time greats. Among them is Freddie Freeman, who had plenty of battles with the 35-year-old before joining the Dodgers in 2022.
During an appearance on “Backstage: Dodgers,” Freeman said it has been an honor getting to call Kershaw his teammate, as seen on SportsNet LA:
“I’ve been playing against you for a long time, and it’s an absolute honor and privilege to compete against you. But to be your teammate, it’s on a whole other level. What you mean to not only me but probably everyone who’s put on this jersey, it’s special.
“Fifteen years you’ve been doing this, 200 career wins. It just doesn’t happen. You’re the greatest left-handed pitcher of our generation, if not the greatest pitcher of our generation. It’s been an honor to be your teammate the last couple years.”
Kershaw has accomplished virtually everything he can as a pitcher, earning 10 All-Star selections, the 2014 National League MVP Award, three Cy Youngs, five ERA titles and a World Series championship in 2020.
Kershaw holds several records for Dodgers pitchers and is 23 wins away from tying Don Sutton for the most in franchise history. He is a sure lock for the Baseball Hall of Fame and has a real chance of spending his entire career with L.A.
Clayton Kershaw update
Kershaw still faces a long recovery ahead but has been increasing the level of intensity during his long toss sessions.
One month into the process, Kershaw noted he was encouraged with his health and looking forward to pitching in 2024.
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