Clayton Kershaw and the Los Angeles Dodgers agreed to a one-year, $7.5 million contract earlier this month, reuniting for an 18th season.
Having spent almost two decades with the Dodgers, Kershaw is synonymous with the organization, much like Kobe Bryant was with the Los Angeles Lakers during his 20-year career.
Kershaw is going to miss time to begin the season as he recovers from offseason toe and knee surgeries, but he is expected to be a contributor to the Dodgers’ rotation in 2025.
Despite being a limited participant and not yet being signed to a contract with the Dodgers, Kershaw was among those who arrived at Camelback Ranch when pitchers and catchers reported. His commitment to the team was never in doubt, as Kershaw was very outspoken about his desire to return to the Dodgers in the offseason.
Kershaw’s dedication did not go unnoticed in the Dodgers clubhouse even among the veterans like Miguel Rojas, according to Sonja Chen of MLB.com:
“His commitment to be [here] first day with the guys and being out there — he’s more than just a player,” veteran infielder Miguel Rojas said. “He shows what this organization is all about. It’s about being together from the beginning and … being unselfish in all capacities, and that’s what Kersh does, you know?
“He shows up here, he wants to be out there for the guys, he wants to show his face, knowing that we have a lot of new players, and that [speaks to] the character of this room. We’ve been creating something really special the last couple years.”
In short, Kershaw embodies everything that the Dodgers’ culture stands for, which is why the organization is devoted to keeping him around for as long as he wishes. Beyond being a future Hall of Famer, Kershaw’s ability to lead and set an example for his teammates is why he is such a valued member of the Dodgers among the players and front office.
Only Kershaw knows how much longer his career will be, and for now his focus solely remains on this year.
Blake Snell enjoyed pitching in front of Clayton Kershaw
Blake Snell is in his first season with the Dodgers after he signed a five-year, $182 million contract after opting out of his deal with the San Francisco Giants.
Snell threw his first bullpen session of Spring Training with Kershaw looking on, which the first-year Dodgers pitcher called the “coolest thing I think I’ve done in my career”.
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