Dodgers further bolster pitching staff after reuniting with familiar face

According to ESPN's Alden Gonzalez, Clayton Kershaw is at the Los Angeles Dodgers' facility playing catch and has agreed to terms on a new contract, pending his physical. 

Despite the wait for the announcement, there was never a doubt that these two parties would end up coming to terms on a deal. This will also be the 18th season that the Dodger faithful get to see the southpaw suit up for the team.

Kershaw, 36, found it difficult to stay off of the injured list last season and he was only able to take the field for a few games. In seven total games in 2024, the fewest of his career, Kershaw posted a 4.50 ERA with 24 strikeouts. 

However, he is hopeful to rebound in 2025 and have a healthy year after undergoing surgery on his left knee and toe in November.

"I think it's all worth figuring out with Andrew [Friedman] after the season," Kershaw told Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register during the NLCS. "I don't know if a full season is in the cards necessarily, but it might be. I just, don't know yet. Got to figure it out."

Regardless of how much is left in his tank, it is going to be interesting to see exactly how the Dodgers go about using him. For the time being, the club could simply just slide him into that fifth spot in the rotation, but things are going to get tricky once Shohei Ohtani is available to take the mound.

Ohtani is still in the process of getting his left shoulder ready to go and will not be ready to pitch to start the season. When he does return could Kershaw be the sixth man in the rotation or could he come out of the bullpen for a couple of appearances?