The 2023 and 2024 seasons proved to be a struggle for Clayton Kershaw due to numerous health issues that either kept him off the field or forced him to play through injury, which lessened his effectiveness on the mound.
This year, Kershaw has been dealing with left big toe inflammation caused by a bone spur that caused him to land on the 15-day injured list on Aug. 31. He was ruled out from pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the postseason, which could have been an end to his career, as well.
Kershaw has considered retirement the past two seasons and remained undecided as of last month, so his future was up in the air. However, prior to Game 2 of the National League Championship Series, Kershaw confirmed he will return in 2025 via MLB on FOX:
“Mentally I feel great. I had shoulder surgery last offseason, but my shoulder and elbow, everything, my arm feels great. 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 then shut it down. So I’m going to come back next year, give it a go, and see how it goes.”
Kershaw has a player option on his contract for the 2024 season worth $10 million with escalators that raised it to a $15 million deal. He could choose to opt out of it, but it seems likely he will stay on his current deal.
The future Hall of Famer has considered pitching for his hometown Texas Rangers in previous years, but always decided to stay with the Dodgers instead, and given their status as perennial World Series contenders, it’s almost a given he will stay.
Kershaw went 2-2 with a 4.50 ERA, 3.53 FIP and 1.50 WHIP in just seven starts this season. Kershaw didn’t make his 2024 debut until July 25, which arguably was ahead of schedule, due to undergoing left shoulder surgery last offseason.
Does Clayton Kershaw need surgery?
Kershaw and the medical staff has yet to decided on his next steps, but an offseason procedure hasn’t been ruled out.
“It’s definitely in the conversation,” answered Kershaw when asked if he will need to have toe surgery.
“I haven’t solidified anything yet, but there’s a chance I need to fix it.”
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