Dodgers to Re-Sign Clayton Kershaw for 17th Season: Reports

Number 22 will be hanging in the clubhouse, not from the retired numbers section of Dodger Stadium, in 2024

The Dodgers' front office has played all the hits this off-season, from signing the best domestic free agent (Shohei Ohtani), the best foreign free agent (Yoshinobu Yamamoto), and even taking a chance on a few journeymen (James Paxton, Dinelson Lamet, Daniel Hudson).

To finish their set, the Dodgers are getting the band back together.

Clayton Kershaw will re-sign for a 17th season, according to multiple reports Tuesday.

The Dodgers and Kershaw are in agreement @JonHeyman and I can report. The physical is on Thursday. https://t.co/lqvqtRwdS0

— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) February 6, 2024

The Dodgers have reached agreement with Clayton Kershaw on a return, a source confirms. @JonHeyman and @Joelsherman1 had it first. More to come.

— Alden González (@Alden_Gonzalez) February 6, 2024

To the surprise of few, Kershaw underwent surgery in November on his left shoulder. The injury cost him the entire month of July and robbed him of velocity down the stretch.

During the regular season, Kershaw finished 13-5 with a 2.46 ERA in 24 starts, and provided stability to a starting rotation depleted by injuries. In his only postseason start, Kershaw recorded just one out in Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

In a December interview, Kershaw said his rehab was going well. He also acknowledged the abrupt end to the 2023 season was motivating him to return.

That was the last formal interview Kershaw gave, though he did appear just this month at his alma mater, Highland Park High School in Dallas, Texas. Coincidentally, Texas Rangers general manager Chris Young appeared on stage with Kershaw, fueling speculation that Kershaw might choose to sign with his hometown team.

However, it appears Kershaw had the desire — and the Dodgers still had the money — to potentially keep number 22 in Los Angeles for his entire career.

Since his 2008 debut, Kershaw has a 210-92 record, a 2.48 ERA and 2,944 strikeouts, the most in franchise history.

Although the Dodgers don't currently have an opening for Kershaw (or anyone) on their 40-man roster, that will change soon.

Not for nothing: that’s three 40-man roster spots that will open up soon. Dodgers can place Frasso, Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin on the 60-day IL to open the season. #DodgerFest

— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) February 3, 2024

Kershaw will almost invariably begin the season on the 60-day injured list. When exactly he will be able to pitch again is unclear, raising the possibility that a 2-year contract is in the works. If the Dodgers determine Kershaw might not pitch in 2024, it makes sense that they would tack on a second year to allow him time to recover.