Longtime Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw, currently in the early stages of recovering from shoulder surgery, recently revealed that he has not yet made a decision about whether he will re-sign with the Los Angeles team to continue his baseball career. Speaking to AM 570 LA Sports, Kershaw shared that he is still in the process of discussing his options with his wife, Ellen. While jokingly mentioning that Shohei Ohtani’s free agency allowed him more time to ponder his future, Kershaw emphasized the importance of considering the best path forward for him and his family.
For the entirety of his professional career, which began in 2008, Kershaw has played exclusively for the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 10-time All-Star and three-time National League Cy Young Award winner has signed one-year contracts with the team in each of the past two years. However, with his impending free agency, Kershaw now faces the possibility of joining another organization.
Kershaw underwent shoulder surgery on November 3 to repair the glenohumeral ligaments and his shoulder capsule. This injury had initially caused him to be sidelined for six weeks in 2023 and continued to affect him throughout the remainder of the season. In fact, Kershaw was unable to pitch more than 5⅓ innings in a start after returning from the injured list in mid-August. Despite the challenges, he expressed optimism about his recovery, stating that he had been doing “really well” in the first five weeks since the procedure. Kershaw eagerly looks forward to throwing a ball without experiencing any pain and aims to return to the field in the summer, which aligns with his previously stated timeline.
While contemplating his future, Kershaw reiterated his desire to end his career on a high note rather than a poor performance. Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2023 was particularly disappointing for him, as he allowed six runs before recording an out. Determined to add another World Series win to his name, the competitive spirit within Kershaw fuels his drive to succeed and leave a lasting mark on the sport.
In light of the recent signing of Shohei Ohtani by the Dodgers, Kershaw shared his thoughts on the monumental deal. While acknowledging the significant financial investment made by the team, Kershaw also described Ohtani as a truly unique talent. The addition of Ohtani to the Dodgers roster has been deemed “great” for the team, bringing a fresh perspective and exciting potential for success.
As Clayton Kershaw navigates his recovery from shoulder surgery and engages in discussions with his wife about his future, the baseball world eagerly awaits his decision. Will he choose to re-sign with the Dodgers and continue his legacy in Los Angeles, or will he venture into a new chapter of his career with another organization? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Kershaw’s unwavering competitiveness and determination will undoubtedly shape the path he chooses and impact the sport for years to come.
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