Dodgers GM: ‘Expectation’ is still for Kershaw to re-sign

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ rotation is overflowing with talent, but they may still have room for one more arm.

General manager Brandon Gomes said this week that the Dodgers remain in contact with veteran left-hander and franchise icon Clayton Kershaw about completing a contract for 2025.

“Obviously we continue to talk with Kersh, and the hope and expectation is that he’s back with us this year,” Gomes said during an appearance on the “Baseball Isn’t Boring” podcast. “Seems like that’s in a good spot.”

Kershaw made a career-low seven starts in 2024 after returning from shoulder surgery midseason. A foot injury ended his abbreviated season in August, and he underwent surgery on both his foot and knee in November. While there’s no timetable for a potential return to the majors, Gomes said Kershaw has progressed in his throwing program.

Kershaw became a free agent following the World Series when he opted out of the second year of his contract. Although officially still available to all 30 teams, the three-time Cy Young winner made it clear he’ll only pitch for the Dodgers, saying in November that he’d “be back, somehow.”

The Dodgers are expected to run with a six-man rotation in 2025 after a busy offseason. Even so, it’s hard to see where Kershaw might slot into the depth chart. L.A. added marquee free-agent signings Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki to its staff this winter. Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May are both on track to open the year as starters after missing last season with injuries, while Shohei Ohtani is projected to make his return as a pitcher in May.

Kershaw, who’ll turn 37 in March, is the majors’ active ERA leader (2.50) and owns the fifth-lowest WHIP (1.01) in MLB history. He’s just 32 strikeouts away from reaching 3,000 for his career.

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