Kershaw’s Commitment to the Dodgers
Clayton Kershaw, the decorated pitcher who turns 37 next month, finalized a one-year, $7.5-million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday, reaffirming his dedication to the team he has called home for nearly two decades. Kershaw, one of the most celebrated pitchers of his generation, has won an MVP award and three Cy Young Awards, and he has played a key role in two World Series championship victories. Despite his illustrious career and the physical toll it has taken, Kershaw remains driven to continue playing. When asked about his motivations, he playfully responded, "I don’t know. Why do you still do it, Dylan?" His answer, however, is more profound than just a joke. For Kershaw, the desire to retire on his own terms and not let injuries dictate his exit is a significant driving force. "I don’t want [injuries] to be the reason that I stopped playing. I don’t want to be, like, ‘I just can’t do it, [I’m] hurt.’ Hopefully, I can walk out on my own terms, whenever that is," he said.
A Dedication to Legacy
Kershaw’s commitment to the Dodgers extends beyond his immediate performance and personal goals. He has a deep-seated desire to finish his career as a Dodger, a distinction that only 13 players who played in 10 or more major league seasons can claim. Among those, only three—Bill Russell, Mike Scioscia, and Andre Ethier—played exclusively in Los Angeles. Kershaw has come to recognize the significance of this feat, acknowledging, "I don’t think I put enough merit on it at times of what it means to be able to be in one organization for your entire career. You look at people throughout all of sports who have been able to do that, and it is special. It is, and I don’t want to lose sight of that." This change in perspective emphasizes the importance he places on his legacy and the bond he has forged with the Dodgers organization and its fans.
Balancing Family and Career
Kershaw’s return for an 18th season with the Dodgers is not without its challenges. His wife and four children will remain in Texas for most of the year, making the decision to continue playing a more personal one. "Being here isn’t as easy as it used to be," he admitted, noting the physical and emotional demands of his recent surgeries. Kershaw underwent operations to repair his left knee and left foot in November, a process that required him to use crutches for four weeks and a walking boot for another four. "With the shoulder, you can still walk and do a lot of stuff. I was back to being a normal dad pretty quick. But being on crutches, being in a boot, having every step kind of hurt, it was hard. I don’t know if I expected all what a foot surgery entails, but [I’m] thankful now to be on the other side and feel like I’m getting closer to being 100%," he shared. Despite these obstacles, Kershaw’s determination to stay with the Dodgers remains unwavering.
Preparing for a New Season
As Kershaw spoke in front of his locker at Camelback Ranch, he stood next to a packed suitcase, indicating his ongoing balancing act between his personal life and his professional obligations. He expects to start the season on the 60-day injured list but is hopeful of returning to the mound when those 60 days are up. "I’ll be back and forth a little bit," he said, referring to his travel plans between Los Angeles and Texas. Kershaw is also keen to travel with the Dodgers for their season-opening two-game series against the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo. "Obviously, I won’t be ready, so I don’t know how that works. But if I’m able to work out and stuff and be around, I’d love to. I don’t think you could get many opportunities to go to Japan with Shohei [Ohtani], so I think that’d be pretty cool," he expressed, highlighting his enthusiasm for the unique experiences that come with being a Dodger.
Overcoming Adversity
Injuries have taken a toll on Kershaw’s recent performance. Last season, he was limited to just seven starts and posted a 4.50 earned-run average, the highest of his career. He did not pitch in the postseason, which he found particularly difficult. "It just didn’t feel like it was the right time, even though we won [the World Series], you know, being on the shelf for that wasn’t the way that I had scripted it out. Still super thankful to be a part of it last year, and you get to see everything, but I want to be out there when it happens," he said. Despite these setbacks, Kershaw remains optimistic about his future. He noted that he didn’t experience any problems with his surgically repaired shoulder last season, which gives him hope that addressing his lower-body issues will allow him to return to his previous levels of performance. His All-Star appearances in 2022 and 2023, with a combined ERA of 2.37, serve as a testament to his enduring skill and potential.
The Future and Beyond
Kershaw’s uncertainty about how much longer he wants to play is understandable, given his age and the history of injuries. However, his resolve to retire a Dodger is clear. "I’m a Dodger," he said, leaving no doubt about his loyalty to the team. This sense of belonging and the mutual respect between Kershaw and the Dodgers make his continued tenure with the team a fitting and inspiring conclusion to his career. Whether he returns to his peak form or not, the end of Kershaw’s career will be marked by his unwavering commitment to the Dodgers, a legacy that will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come. Sign up for more Dodgers news with Dodgers Dugout to stay updated on Kershaw’s journey and the team’s ongoing success.
A Symbol of Resilience
Clayton Kershaw’s decision to return for another season with the Dodgers, despite the physical and personal hurdles, is a testament to his resilience and the deep bond he has formed with the organization. His recent surgeries and the challenges they presented have only strengthened his resolve to finish his career on his own terms. Kershaw’s ability to overcome such significant obstacles and maintain a positive outlook is a source of inspiration for his teammates and fans alike. As he continues to work towards a full recovery and a return to the mound, Kershaw’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the dedication and perseverance required to achieve greatness in any field. His story is not just about pitching and winning; it’s about the human spirit and the pursuit of one’s passions, no matter the obstacles.
