With the Los Angeles Dodgers looking to defend their World Series title, Clayton Kershaw is entering the final season of a three-year contract extension signed in November 2018. Kershaw explained at the time of the deal it was the length he felt most comfortable agreeing to.
Then ahead of reporting to Camelback Ranch for the start of Spring Training, Kershaw was asked about his future beyond the 2021 season. He admitted to not being sure and said there would be a conversation with his wife, Ellen, to decide on what was best for their family.
That was interpreted as Kershaw was open to potentially retiring at the 2021 season, when he would just be 33 years old. “The ‘I don’t know’ part was not about playing. As far as I’m concerned, I’m continuing to play and feel great doing it,” Kershaw explained.
“What I meant was just like, I’m on a year-to-year basis. I want to re-evaluate at the end of every year and see how we’re doing. As a family, myself personally, where we are as a team, and then just make a decision from there. I have no intentions of hanging ’em up. I’m only 32 and feel like I’ve got a few more years left in the tank.
“If you ask me right now, I really still love playing, I feel healthy, I feel like the ball’s coming out good. I’m excited for this year, and that’s kind of really all I meant. I’m focused on this year and trying to win a World Series. After this year we’ll figure things out.”
After somewhat of a down 2019 season, Kershaw worked with Driveline Baseball and returned last year with a fastball that had more life to it. Indications thus far in Spring Training are the left-hander is primed to build upon a resurgent season.
Dodgers, Kershaw yet to talk extension
With his focus on the 2021 season, it’s hardly a surprise that Kershaw and the Dodgers have yet to discuss a potential contract extension. Although the Dodgers worked out a deal with Mookie Betts before Opening Day last year, Kershaw presumably will again wait until the offseason.
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