After the Los Angeles Dodgers saw a record-setting regular season go up in flames during the playoffs, franchise pillar Clayton Kershaw reached free agency for a second consecutive year.
Kershaw was a candidate to be extended the $19.65 million qualifying offer for 2023, but the Dodgers again declined to do so. Shortly after the deadline for eligible free agents to be presented with a qualifying offer, Kershaw and the Dodgers agreed to a one-year contract.
Despite the left-hander facing multiple back injuries this year, he enjoyed another productive season and remains integral to the organization.
Austin Barnes, who has been with the Dodgers since the 2015 season, has a strong relationship with Kershaw and was thrilled he re-signed with the team, via SportsNet LA:
“Obviously I’m glad he’s back. He’s our leader, he’s our captain. He’s the Dodgers organization.”
The battery of Kershaw and Barnes has yielded a 2.80 ERA and held opponents to a .213 batting average. Kershaw overall enjoyed a quality 2022 season in which he posted a 2.28 ERA, 2.57 FIP, 0.94 WHIP and had 137 strikeouts over 126.1 innings.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman expressed early on that if Kershaw intended to pitch one more season, then he would be at the very top of the club’s list of priorities.
Walker Buehler excited Clayton Kershaw re-signed with Dodgers
Like Barnes, Walker Buehler shared how thrilled he was with news of Kershaw remaining part of the Dodgers organization for at least one more year.
Unfortunately for Buehler, he likely will not get an opportunity to pitch alongside Kershaw next season due to recovering from a right flexor tendon repair and second Tommy John surgery.
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