This week, it was revealed that the Los Angeles Dodgers were retaining Clayton Kershaw for the 2024 campaign, even though he is expected to be out until the summer while he recovers from shoulder surgery.
The details of the pact weren’t of public domain, though, until Friday.
Kershaw will have the chance to return at his own pace this year because of the excellent depth in the Dodgers’ rotation, and he also has a player option for next year, according to MLB insider Joel Sherman.
“Kershaw contract: $5M guaranteed this year with a chance to make $7.5M more in bonuses based on making starts between 6-10 in 2024. $5M player option for 2025 that adds any bonuses earned in 2024 to ’25 base, plus also escalating bonuses in ’25,” he tweeted.
Kershaw contract: $5M guaranteed this year with a chance to make $7.5M more in bonuses based on making starts between 6-10 in 2024. $5M player option for 2025 that adds any bonuses earned in 2024 to ’25 base, plus also escalating bonuses in ’25.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) February 9, 2024
It’s a somewhat complex contract, but gives both team and player some room to maneuver.
If Kershaw comes back strong and hits all the bonuses in his 2024 deal, he could make around $12.5 million.
He also would have some of those escalators added to his 2025 base, plus a $5 million floor in his player option.
An incentive-laden deal for a veteran pitcher returning from shoulder surgery seems like a smart move for the Dodgers.
If he comes back to his pre-injury level, Kershaw will be a steal for the Dodgers.
This is a highly decorated pitcher with a career 2.48 ERA and a 2.46 mark last year in 131.2 innings.
Even if he keeps losing fastball velocity, the quality of his slider, curveball, and changeup and his pinpoint command help him remain successful.
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