Clayton Kershaw, the iconic and longest-tenured Los Angeles Dodger, is officially set to return for his 18th season with the team. The news, which has been anticipated for months, was all but confirmed when Kershaw reported to spring training on Tuesday. While the finalization of his signing is still pending a physical, league sources close to the situation have indicated that the deal is essentially done. For Kershaw, a future Hall of Fame pitcher, this marks another chapter in a storied career that continues to defy the odds of time and injury.
Kershaw’s decision to rejoin the Dodgers, the reigning World Series champions, was met with less uncertainty this offseason compared to recent years. The 36-year-old pitcher made his intentions clear during the team’s championship parade last November, when he famously declared, “I’ll be back, somehow. I don’t care. I’ll be back.” This vow came despite his decision to decline a $5 million player option for the 2025 season, signaling that his return was not about financial gain but about unfinished business on the field. For Kershaw, the opportunity to contribute to another potential championship run—and to continue writing his legacy—was too compelling to pass up.
However, the question of when Kershaw will actually take the mound again remains unanswered. The 2024 season was a challenging one for the left-hander, as he made just seven starts in his comeback from left shoulder surgery. His season was derailed by a combination of issues, including a troublesome left big toe and a ruptured plantar plate in his foot. These injuries forced him to undergo surgery less than a week after the World Series parade, a procedure that also addressed a torn meniscus in his left knee. Despite these setbacks, Kershaw has already begun the early stages of a throwing progression, according to Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes, who shared the update during the team’s annual “Dodgerfest” event. This progress, while encouraging, does not necessarily mean the Dodgers will rush their ace back into action. With a deep and retooled rotation, the team is well-positioned to take a patient approach with Kershaw’s recovery.
The Dodgers’ rotation for the upcoming season is shaping up to be one of the most formidable in baseball. Over the winter, the team made significant additions, including the signing of two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell and the acquisition of Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki. These moves bolster a rotation that already includes high-profile names like Tyler Glasnow, who is expected to be ready for the start of the season after missing October with an elbow injury. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, entering his second season in the majors, is also expected to play a key role. Meanwhile, young pitchers Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin are working their way back from major elbow surgeries, and Shohei Ohtani, one of the most exciting players in the game, could potentially join the rotation as early as May following his second elbow ligament reconstruction. With such a deep and talented group of pitchers, the Dodgers are well-equipped to handle Kershaw’s gradual return without relying too heavily on him early in the season.
When Kershaw does make his way back to the mound, he will be on the verge of making history. The three-time Cy Young winner and two-time World Series champion is just 32 strikeouts away from becoming the 20th pitcher in baseball history to reach 3,000 career strikeouts. This milestone would serve as the latest achievement in a career that is already destined for Cooperstown. For Kershaw, however, individual accolades have never been the sole driving force behind his continued dedication to the game. His focus remains on contributing to the Dodgers’ success and helping the team win another championship—a testament to his enduring passion and commitment to the sport.
In many ways, Kershaw’s return to the Dodgers feels like a fitting continuation of his legacy. Over the course of his career, he has become synonymous with the franchise, embodying the values of hard work, resilience, and excellence. While the injuries and setbacks he has faced in recent years might have led some to question whether he could still perform at an elite level, Kershaw has consistently shown an ability to adapt and persevere. As he prepares for his 18th season, he does so with the same determination and passion that have defined his career. Whether he is able to lead the Dodgers to another World Series title or simply to reach that historic strikeout milestone, Clayton Kershaw’s 2025 season promises to be a fitting encore to one of the greatest careers in baseball history.
