In a league where superstars seem to swap uniforms as often as they swap bats, Clayton Kershaw remains a rare breed – a franchise icon determined to begin and end his career with one team. But after an injury-plagued 2024 campaign that saw the Dodgers legend ponder retirement, many wondered if Kershaw had thrown his final pitch in Dodger blue.
Those questions were answered emphatically this week as the 36-year-old southpaw inked a new deal to return for an 18th season in LA. The road back won’t be easy, however, as Kershaw continues to rehab from offseason foot surgery that will likely sideline him until June.
The Long Road to Recovery
For Kershaw, the decision to keep pitching didn’t come lightly. The three-time Cy Young winner spent four weeks on crutches and another four in a walking boot after November surgery to address a bone spur and ruptured plantar plate in his left foot, as well as a procedure on his left knee.
I hope this is the last time I have to rehab — I’m kind of done with that — but at the same time, I don’t want that to be the reason that I stop playing. I don’t want to be, ‘I just can’t do it hurt,’ you know? Hopefully I can walk out on my own terms, whenever that is.
– Clayton Kershaw
The grueling rehab process made being a normal dad to his four kids a challenge. But Kershaw gritted through it for another shot at chasing a championship – even after the Dodgers secured the title without him last fall.
Forever a Dodger
Despite past flirtations with signing with his hometown Texas Rangers, Kershaw made it clear his heart remains in Los Angeles:
I’m a Dodger. I’m so thankful for this organization. Getting to be here for my whole career, however long that is, is definitely a goal.
– Clayton Kershaw
Kershaw joins a loaded Dodgers rotation featuring the likes of Shohei Ohtani, Tyler Glasnow, and Roki Sasaki. But his impact extends far beyond the mound. As a locker room leader and franchise standard-bearer, Kershaw’s presence alone is a difference-maker.
No Retirement Tour – Yet
So is 2025 the final chapter in Kershaw’s storybook Dodgers career? The wily veteran isn’t making any promises.
“It’s been year to year for a number of years now,” Kershaw said of his future. “We’ll just see how it goes at the end of this year.”
Dodger fans certainly won’t take these bonus seasons for granted. Every Kershaw start from here on out will be appointment viewing – a chance to witness one of the greatest pitchers of all time continue to craft his legacy in Dodger blue. A legacy that, whenever it finally does come to an end, will forever be remembered as one of a kind.
