The Los Angeles Dodgers re-signed Clayton Kershaw to a one-year, $20 million contract for the 2023 season. His deal was announced Monday, several weeks after the left-hander and the team came to a reported agreement.
Kershaw’s deal is said to include a $5 million signing bonus as well, which is double the amount he received when re-signing for 2022. The delay in finalizing Kershaw’s latest one-year contract reportedly stemmed from logistics of taking a physical.
This marked a second consecutive offseason in which Kershaw reached free agency, and in both instances the Dodgers decided against extending him a qualifying offer.
Last year that was due to the three-time Cy Young Award winner facing an uncertain future because of a left elbow/forearm injury. Upon remaining with the Dodgers, Kershaw expressed his gratitude for the front office allowing him ample time to get healthy and decide if he could continue pitching.
This offseason, Kershaw and the Dodgers came to terms on a new contract hours after the deadline to extend the $19.65 million qualifying offer to eligible free agents.
Even with twice going on the injured list this past season because of back trouble, Kershaw was plenty productive. He finished the year 12-3 with a 2.28 ERA, 2.57 FIP and 0.94 WHIP over 22 starts.
Kershaw additionally had the opportunity to start an MLB All-Star Game for the first time in his career, and he passed Don Sutton to become the all-time Dodgers strikeouts leader.
During his last start of the regular season, Kershaw became the 25th player in MLB history with at least 2,800 career strikeouts.
Among Dodgers franchise leaders, Kershaw ranks first in career strikeouts (2,807) and WHIP (1.00); third in wins (197), ERA (248) and games started (398); and fifth in innings pitched (2,581).
Kershaw also is the all-time leader in Dodgers postseason history in strikeouts (213), wins (13), games started (31) and innings pitched (194).
Buehler excited Kershaw re-signed with Dodgers
Walker Buehler is likely to miss the entire 2023 season while recovering from a flexor tendon repair and second Tommy John surgery, but the right-hander shared his excitement over Kershaw re-signing with the Dodgers.
Kershaw’s return helps fill a need in the Dodgers starting rotation, but the team could use additional reinforcement and reportedly have interest in Justin Verlander.
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