The Dodgers have undoubtedly been the biggest winners of the 2024 MLB offseason, bringing in the two top free agents, Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Despite all the turnover, fans will be happy to hear a familiar face will be returning to Dodger Stadium in 2024.
Clayton Kershaw is reportedly returning to the Dodgers on a one-year deal, as first reported by the New York Post’s Jon Heyman. The southpaw has spent the previous 16 years of his MLB career in Los Angeles with the organization.
Last year, Kershaw went 13-5 with a 2.46 ERA across 24 starts. In 131.2 innings of work, the starter recorded 137 strikeouts, accumulating a WHIP of 1.06. He was hurt during the second half of the season, but he came back in time for the playoffs, recording one start in the NLDS.
At the Dodgers’ end-of-season press conference, President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman made it known that the Dodgers would gladly welcome back Kershaw if that’s what the lefty wanted. Kershaw was tied to a couple of other clubs, including his hometown Rangers, but the future Hall of Famer elected to run it back again with the only baseball organization he’s known.
It’s going to be a bit before Kershaw takes the mound for the 2024 season. The lefty pitcher underwent surgery this offseason on his shoulder, but he’s expected to return at some point this summer.
Kershaw has already built up an illustrious resume that includes a World Series, an NL MVP, three Cy Young Awards, and 10 All-Star selections. With the Dodgers primed for another run at a title, another World Series could be in Kershaw’s sights for 2024.
Here is more on Kershaw’s return to the Dodgers.
MORE: How much are Dodgers Opening Day tickets in 2024?
Clayton Kershaw contract details
Kershaw and the Dodgers have reportedly agreed to a deal for the 2024 season, pending a physical, according to Heyman and The New York Post’s Joel Sherman.
The deal is reportedly a one-year contract with a player option for 2025, according to The Athletic’s Andy McCullough. The salary is not yet known.
Clayton Kershaw injury update
Kershaw will not be ready for the start of the 2024 season due to a shoulder surgery he had this offseason.
Back at the beginning of November, Kershaw underwent left shoulder surgery to repair gleno-humeral ligaments.
Kershaw had shoulder surgery on 11/3. Not expected to return (at earliest) until 2d half. 1st day Dodgers can put a player on the 60-man IL and not use a 40-man roster spot is Thursday, so could be waiting until then to finalize a deal. https://t.co/S2UoaPbnVI
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) February 6, 2024
The timeline for his return is currently unknown.
How old is Clayton Kershaw?
Kershaw was born on March 19, 1988.
While he is currently 35 at the time of the deal, he will be 36 once Opening Day rolls around.