The Dodgers on Friday made Clayton Kershaw's one-year contract official, which features a participant choice via 2025. To make room on the 40-man roster, pitcher Tony Gonsolin was positioned on the injured record of 60 days.
Kershaw's whole assure is $10 million, which features a $5 million wage in 2024 that would attain a most of $12 million this season, with different escalators, per Fabian Ardaya at The Athletic.
Kershaw was at Camelback Ranch on Thursday, the day pitchers and catchers reported to the Dodgers area, and met with reporters.
#Dodgers Clayton Kershaw mentioned it was “wonderful” to look at what the group did this winter and needed to be part of it.
“The expertise might be one of the best I've ever been part of. I hope I may be part of it too.
— Juan Toribio (@juanctoribio) February 8, 2024
Clayton Kershaw is on Week 2 of his pitching program. It's early sufficient that its timeline stays imprecise.
“July,” he mentioned. “August”.
He’s returning house and will likely be again in early March. He desires to be extra ahead “earlier than it bothers individuals to should cope with me.”
— Alden González (@Alden_Gonzalez) February 8, 2024
Since integration (1947-present), solely 9 pitchers have pitched in not less than 17 seasons for one staff. If and when Kershaw throws a pitch in 2024 he’ll turn out to be tenth, and surpass Don Sutton for many seasons pitched in Dodgers historical past.
Most seasons pitched for one staff
| Pitcher | staff | Seasons |
|---|---|---|
| Pitcher | staff | Seasons |
| Phil Niekro | Courageous | 21 |
| John Smoltz | Courageous | 20 |
| Warren Spahn | Courageous | 20 |
| Jim Palmer | Orioles | 19 |
| Mariano Rivera | Yankees | 19 |
| Adam Wainwright | Cardinals | 18 |
| Bob Gibson | Cardinals | 17 |
| Tom Glavine | Courageous | 17 |
| Tim Wakefield | Purple Sox | 17 |
This was the third time that Kershaw reached free company, and after signing the $20 million contract final yr, Kershaw mentioned that it was good to go from yr to yr in free company, reflecting if he stays with the Dodgers or pitches for his hometown Rangers.
“We’re so at peace with the way in which we do issues,” he mentioned in December 2022. “For me, for our state of affairs, I wish to select the staff first after which perceive the contract later. I don't wish to be advised the place to play, I need select the place to play, and if they need me, we'll perceive. That's how I wish to do the remainder of my profession, and if there's a number of {dollars} on the desk, I'll be superb with it.”
The calculus modified a bit with Kershaw having surgical procedure in November to restore the glenohumeral ligaments and capsule in his left shoulder, a process that’s anticipated to maintain him out till not less than after the All-Star break in 2024. Whereas this deal may. take Kershaw till 2025, the selection stays his.
“Andrew permitting me to have the choice was nice,” Kershaw told reporters at Camelback Ranch on Thursday, when Dodgers pitchers and catchers reported to Camelback Ranch. “If every thing works, it ought to be good for each side. At any time when you’ll be able to have optionality, it's not a foul factor.”
“I didn't wish to exit that means, so I feel that was lastly how I received there.” Clayton Kershaw discusses his choice to re-sign with the Dodgers and provides a tough timeline for his return. pic.twitter.com/EeML4Rq72U
– SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) February 9, 2024
Additionally on Friday, the Dodgers introduced {that a} Kershaw bobblehead will likely be given away on Sept. 25 in opposition to the Padres at Dodger Stadium.
Gonsolin had Tommy John surgical procedure on Sept. 1, and is anticipated to overlook the complete 2024 season. With three years, 152 days of service time, Gonsolin may have two years of arbitration eligibility in 2025 and 2026.
