Clayton Kershaw will remain a Dodgers after agreeing to a two-year contract extension earlier this week.
The Los Angeles pitcher is one of the top remaining MLB free agents in the market, and initial rumors suggested that he would sign with his hometown team, Texas Rangers.
Kershaw was drafted seventh overall in the 2006 draft at 18 years old. He went through the farm system and got into the majors at 20.
He achieved everything to accomplish as a baseball player in his Dodgers tenure. He won the World Series with them in 2020 and was hailed the National League MVP in 2014.
He has also appeared in ten All-Star Games, including seven straight from 2011 to 2017.
Fans who hope to see him retire as a Dodgers can now rejoice. They can see more of Kershaw's curveball.
Clayton Kershaw's contract details
Kershaw, who will turn 36 on March 19, signed a two-year $37.5 million extension. However, his getting the entire amount depends on the number of games he will play.
He can only return to the field by mid-season after undergoing surgery to repair the glenohumeral ligaments and capsule on his left shoulder.
Read more: Felix Bautista Injury Update - When Will the Orioles Pitcher Return After Optimistic Surgery?
Kershaw himself confirmed that he will not be able to start the season.
The contract states that the three-time NL Cy Young Award winner has a guaranteed $10 million. He will receive $12.5 million in 2024, if things go well for him, he will receive $25 million in 2025.
The Dodgers still chose to sign him despite his injury. Kershaw said this is what made him re-sign with his boyhood club.
"It was a good offseason to kind of be home, talk with Ellen and try to figure everything out," he said.
"Once I decided to come back, everybody has been great. I felt wanted even though I'm kind of damaged goods right now. It was a good feeling."
The Associated Press, citing documents they obtained, stated that he could also get a $5 million salary for 2024 and $7.5 million in performance bonuses "as starts or relief appearances of three or more innings."
His spot in the Dodgers' pitching surplus
Right now, the Dodgers can afford to wait for Kershaw.
The team just signed two of the best pitchers in the 2024 MLB free agency-Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Shohei Ohtani, who for now will not be throwing due to an elbow injury.
They also have Tyler Glasnow, Walker Buehler, Bobby Miller, and Emmet Sheehan as options for starting pitchers. The relievers are Dustin May (IR), Joe Kelly, Alex Vesia, Evan Phillips, Blake Treinen, Brusdar Graterol, and Ryan Yarbrough.
By 2025, the plan is to make Kershaw a starting pitcher alongside Shohei Ohtani, according to The Athletic.
Ohtani, for now, will play as an exclusive designated hitter as he continues his recovery.
Dodgers have been one of, if not the biggest spenders in the ongoing 2024 MLB free agency.
They signed Yamamoto and Ohtani for record-breaking deals. They also added Teoscar Hernandez and Joe Kelly before signing the two Japanese stars.
Related article: 5 Things You Didn't Know About New Dodgers Star Yoshinobu Yamamoto
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