Clayton Kershaw was spotted playing catch at the Dodgers’ facility, a sight that quickly sparked speculation. According to insider reports, the veteran pitcher and the Dodgers have officially agreed to terms on a new contract for the 2025 season, pending the completion of his physical.
On Tuesday, Kershaw was seen working out with the team at Camelback Ranch, and now the reason is clear he’s preparing for his return to the mound with Los Angeles.
There was never much doubt this offseason that Kershaw would re-sign with the Dodgers. During last year’s National League Championship Series, the future Hall of Famer expressed his strong desire to return for another season.
“Mentally, I feel great. I had shoulder surgery last offseason, and my armshoulder, elbow, everything feels great,” Kershaw said at the time. “I had some tough luck with my foot this year, but I don’t want that surgery to go to waste. I’m coming back next year to give it another shot.”
He later left no room for doubt, confidently stating, “I’m going to be a Dodger.”
That sentiment was reinforced during the World Series parade, where Kershaw passionately declared himself a “Dodger for life.”
“I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time,” he told the crowd. “I can’t imagine being anywhere else, and I couldn’t ask for a better group of teammates than the guys standing here.”
Although Kershaw was limited to just seven appearances in 2025 due to injuries, he underwent multiple surgeries this offseason on his toe and knee. While there’s no official timetable for his return, one major milestone looms he is just 32 strikeouts away from reaching the prestigious 3,000-strikeout club, a feat achieved by only 19 pitchers in MLB history.
With Kershaw officially back, Dodgers fans can look forward to another chapter in the legendary career of one of baseball’s greatest pitchers.
