Clayton Kershaw re-signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers late in the offseason, keeping the 17-year veteran with the only franchise he has ever played for.
Kershsaw’s one-year contract includes a $7.5 million base salary and incentives that could increase his earnings to $16 million if making at least 16 starts and avoiding missing more than half of the regular season. While Kershaw won’t be a frontline starter, he is expected to provide valuable innings for the Dodgers throughout the year.
Kershaw won’t be available to pitch when Opening Day kicks off, but he’s hopeful to join the Dodgers for their trip to Tokyo, per Dylan Hernández of the L.A. Times:
“Obviously, I won’t be ready, so I don’t know how that works,” he said. “But if I’m able to work out and stuff and be around, I’d love to. I don’t think you could get many opportunities to go to Japan with Shohei [Ohtani], so I think that’d be pretty cool.”
The Dodgers will face the Chicago Cubs in the Tokyo Series from March 18-10. The two-game series will count toward the regular season standings for both teams and is one reason their Spring Training schedules began earlier than usual.
Kershaw was limited to just seven starts last season, posting a 4.50 ERA. He missed the playoffs and underwent surgeries during the offseason to his left knee and left foot.
Kershaw’s throwing program was delayed, primarily because lower-leg injuries prevented him from staying on his feet for an extended period.
When will Clayton Kershaw pitch in 2025?
Kershaw’s timeline to return isn’t perfectly clear, but the Dodgers have hinted that he could make his regular season debut in late May.
He is not expected to be one of the Dodgers’ top options. If all starting pitchers remain healthy, the Dodgers could have up to eight options to rotate through.
Kershaw’s workload will likely be limited this year, but given the incentive-heavy structure of his contract, he could quickly reach its maximum value.
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