Clayton Kershaw says he intends to return to the Los Angeles Dodgers for his 18th season next year.
The three-time NL Cy Young Award winner is not playing in the current playoffs due to a bone spur in his left big toe, which kept him out for the last month of the regular season.
The 36-year-old left-handed pitcher made only seven starts this year, finishing with a record of 2-2 and a 4.50 ERA, both of which are the lowest of his career.
Last November, Kershaw had surgery on his left shoulder, and the recovery process kept him from playing until July 25. By August 31, he was on the injured list due to the toe issue.
“My shoulder and elbow, everything, my arm feels great,” he said during Fox’s pre-game broadcast on Monday.
“Of course, I had some bad luck with my foot this year, but I want to make the most of this surgery. I don’t want to have surgery and then stop. I’m planning to come back next year and see how it goes.”
In February, Kershaw signed a one-year contract with a player option for 2025. This season, he had a $5 million base salary and earned an additional $2.5 million in performance bonuses.
The deal includes an option he can choose for a $10 million base salary in 2025, plus a $1 million bonus for each start next year, starting from 11 up to 25.
He has spent his entire career with the Dodgers, although he has missed significant time in recent years due to various injuries.
