Clayton Kershaw, the esteemed left-handed pitcher, has reached an agreement to continue his tenure with the Los Angeles Dodgers for an 18th season in 2025, pending a physical examination. The specific terms of the contract have not been publicly disclosed. citeturn0news12
Kershaw, who will turn 37 in March, has been a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ pitching staff since his debut in 2008. Over his illustrious career, he has amassed a record of 212 wins and 94 losses, maintaining an impressive 2.50 earned run average (ERA) across 432 games, 429 of which were starts. His 15 career shutouts are the most among active pitchers, and he is on the cusp of a significant milestone, needing just 32 more strikeouts to reach 3,000—a feat achieved by only 19 pitchers in Major League Baseball history. citeturn0news12
The 2024 season was particularly challenging for Kershaw. He was limited to seven appearances due to injuries, including a ruptured plantar plate and arthritis in his left foot, as well as a torn meniscus in his left knee. These ailments necessitated surgeries in November, after which Kershaw announced his intention to rehabilitate and return for the 2025 season. His recovery timeline remains uncertain, and it is unclear when he will be ready to rejoin the active roster. citeturn0news12
Despite these uncertainties, the Dodgers are well-positioned to manage his return. The team’s pitching rotation boasts considerable depth, featuring newly acquired talents such as two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell and Japanese standout Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Additionally, returning pitchers Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May, both recovering from injuries, add to the rotation’s strength. This depth allows the Dodgers to integrate Kershaw back into the lineup at a measured pace, ensuring he can contribute effectively without undue pressure. citeturn0news12
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