Kershaw to play 18th season for Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers and pitcher Clayton Kershaw have a new contract in place, agreeing to a one-year deal worth $7.5 million.

Kershaw, one of the most accomplished pitchers in MLB history, is set to return to the Dodgers for his 18th season.

The veteran will enter his age-37 campaign with eyes on a big milestone. He needs just 32 strikeouts to join Steve Carlton, Randy Johnson, and CC Sabathia as the only left-handed pitchers to punch out 3,000.

Kershaw has battled injuries in recent years and made just seven starts in 2024 before being sidelined. He underwent surgery on his left knee and toe this offseason and isn't expected to be ready for Opening Day.

However, when he has been available, the quality of Kershaw's pitching hasn't diminished. He posted a sub-2.50 ERA in both 2022 and 2023 while being named to the National League All-Star team.

He remains MLB's active leader in career ERA (2.50), ERA+ (156), and hits per nine (6.9) across 2,742 2/3 innings.