When MLB free agency began in full earnest last week, the Los Angeles Dodgers quickly went to work by reportedly re-signing Clayton Kershaw to a one-year contract worth an estimated $17-20 million.
The agreement came to fruition shortly after the team opted not to extend the left-hander the $19.65 million qualifying offer for the 2023 season.
Retaining Kershaw was a top priority for the organization, and he is set to return to a rotation that figures to experience some turnover this offseason. Tyler Anderson reportedly is joining the Los Angeles Angels on a three-year contract and Andrew Heaney remains a free agent.
The Dodgers rotation will also be without Walker Buehler for most — if not all — of next year while he recovers from Tommy John surgery. The right-hander nevertheless is thrilled Kershaw will be back with the club.
Big boy back https://t.co/D1O8UjPESP
— Walker Buehler (@buehlersdayoff) November 11, 2022
Kershaw is coming off another strong season despite two back injuries that cost him multiple weeks of missed action. He went 12-3 with a 2.28 ERA, 2.57 FIP, 0.94 WHIP and 137 strikeouts in 126.1 innings over 22 starts.
The 34-year-old was also able to start the All-Star Game for the first time in his career, which fittingly came at Dodger Stadium, and he passed Don Sutton to become the all-time Dodgers strikeouts leader.
The 2023 season will be Kershaw’s 16th in the Majors, and he now has an opportunity to add to his many Dodgers records.
Clayton Kershaw raised awareness in honor of Tommy Lasorda
The 14th annual Sketchers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk was held on Sunday, October 30, where thousands of people gathered to walk from Manhattan Beach Pier to Hermosa Beach Pier and back in support of children with disabilities.
Late Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda was a big supporter of The Friendship Foundation, and to honor him, Kershaw raised awareness of the annual walk on Instagram.
Nearly $3 million was raised this year, with proceeds going toward The Friendship Foundation’s ongoing programming for children with special needs, as well as select education foundations.
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