The Los Angeles Dodgers officially announced the signing of Clayton Kershaw to a three-year contract extension that will keep him with the team through the 2021 season. Kershaw’s deal is worth a reported $93 million and includes incentives.
This marks a second time Kershaw has signed a contract extension in lieu of reaching free agency. He inked a seven-year deal in January 2014 that included an opt-out clause aimed at allowing him to possibly become a free agent at 30 years old.
The deadline for Kershaw to decide on his opt-out was set for 9 p.m. Wednesday, but he and the Dodgers mutually agreed to push it back to Friday afternoon. It ultimately provided the parties with time to iron out details on an extension.
Speaking at an end-of-season press conference, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman described talks with Kershaw as “ongoing.” General manager Farhan Zaidi deemed them “pleasant.”
Owner Mark Walter had previously made it clear the organization wanted to take necessary measures to ensure Kershaw would remain with the Dodgers for the entirety of his career.
They selected Kershaw with the seventh pick in the 2006 MLB Draft. In his 11 seasons with the Dodgers, Kershaw is a lifetime 153-69 with a 2.39 ERA and 1.01 WHIP. While a World Series has continued to escape him, Kershaw’s illustrious career includes three Cy Young Awards, a National League MVP, one Gold Glove and seven All-Star Game selections.
Furthermore, Kershaw’s impact extends beyond the field for the Dodgers. “Obviously, he’s made as much of an impact as you can on an organization in terms of the success that we’ve had,” Friedman said. “Not just on the field but from a culture standpoint. In terms of bringing up the pitchers and emulating the work ethic, the drive.”
