Los Angeles Dodgers legend Clayton Kershaw has decided to extend his career for at least one more season, signing a one-year, $7.5 million contract with the team. After years of contemplating retirement and battling injuries, the 36-year-old pitcher made it clear that he isn’t ready to leave the game just yet.
Kershaw’s decision to return is fueled by his desire to leave baseball on a better note. Last season, he underwent shoulder surgery and managed to return in July, but his comeback was short-lived after suffering a bone spur in his left toe. To make matters worse, he later revealed that he had also torn his meniscus, leading to additional foot and knee surgeries.
Beyond the injuries, Kershaw’s 2023 season ended in disappointment. In the National League Division Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, he had one of the worst outings of his career, allowing six earned runs in less than an inning before being pulled from the game.
“I hope this is the last time I have to rehab-I’m kind of done with that-but at the same time, I don’t want that to be the reason that I stop playing,” Kershaw said, per ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez. “Hopefully I can walk out on my own terms, whenever that is.”
Chasing history and redemption
While Kershaw has already secured his place among baseball’s greats-with two World Series titles, 10 All-Star appearances, and a National League MVP award-he is still chasing a major career milestone. He is just 32 strikeouts away from becoming the 20th pitcher in MLB history to reach 3,000 strikeouts, a feat that would further solidify his legacy.
Kershaw also expressed his desire to contribute meaningfully to the Dodgers‘ success, rather than simply being a spectator. “Being on the shelf for that wasn’t the way that I had scripted it out,” he said. “Still super thankful to be a part of it last year and get to see everything, but I want to be out there when it happens.”
Though the upcoming season may be his last, Kershaw has one more chance to dictate the final chapter of his Hall of Fame career. Whether he walks away after 2025 or continues beyond, he is determined to do it on his own terms.
Read the full article here
