'Good to be a Dodger again': Kershaw rejoins squad

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said it would be “very strange” if Los Angeles opened Spring Training without franchise icon Clayton Kershaw, who entered this offseason as an unrestricted free agent.

Roberts and the rest of the Dodgers didn’t have to worry about that possibility, as Kershaw and the club agreed to a one-year deal, the club announced on Sunday. Kershaw’s deal is worth $17 million, according to a source.

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“It’s good to be a Dodger again,” said a smiling Kershaw. “I’m excited to be here.”

Kershaw was received with loud cheers as he made his way through the sea of fans at Camelback Ranch. He took the field to play catch. For everyone in the organization, having Kershaw back gave them a sense of normalcy.

Over his 14-year career, all with the Dodgers, Kershaw has established himself as one of the best pitchers in franchise history. The future Hall of Famer has started 376 games, third in franchise history behind Don Sutton (533) and Don Drysdale (465).

Kershaw also has 185 career wins, fourth in franchise history. He has 2,670 strikeouts, just 26 shy of tying Sutton for the most by any pitcher while wearing a Dodgers uniform. Anywhere you look in the record books, Kershaw, who is widely considered the best left-handed pitcher of his generation, is plastered all over it.

“I think what Kersh has meant to this organization, to the city of Los Angeles goes without talking about,” said Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman. “I think going into the offseason for us, it was the No. 1 priority.”

Friedman said his first call following the end of the lockout was to Kershaw. They had about a 10-minute conversation. Kershaw assured him that his elbow felt 100%. Friedman and the Dodgers didn’t waste any time, agreeing to terms in about 24 hours.

“We caught up with him with where he was health-wise, his family and just reiterating our strong interest,” Friedman added. “And, fortunately, he felt the same.”

After Kershaw’s effective, but injury-riddled campaign was limited to 22 starts and none in the postseason in 2021, there was growing speculation that he could opt to sign with the Rangers, the team closest to his Dallas-area home. In fact, Friedman said seeing a report that suggested Kershaw could be leaning toward signing with the Rangers gave him a sense of urgency to wrap up a deal with the three-time Cy Young Award winner.

Kershaw, a father of four, confirmed that his decision ultimately came down to the Dodgers and Rangers. He also added that he never truly contemplated retirement.

“It was no secret that we were either going to go play in Texas or stay here,” Kershaw said. “That was a hard phone call. I’m a good friend of [Rangers general manager Chris Young], I think the world of him, and he’s going to do some great things with Texas. But at the end of the day, I wanted to be here and win a World Series, and I think the Dodgers give me the best chance to do that. I’m excited to be back.”

When healthy, Kershaw is still one of the best left-handed starters in the Majors. He went 10-8 with a 3.55 ERA last season, despite dealing with a nagging elbow injury. In his last start of the regular season, Kershaw exited the game with forearm discomfort. He received a PRP injection during the postseason, ending his season and sidelining him for months.

Kershaw said he’s a little behind schedule. He didn’t pick up a baseball until Jan. 1, which he mentioned is something he hasn’t done in “a long, long time.” But despite the late start, Kershaw will throw a live bullpen session on Monday. If that goes well, he believes he can build up enough to be ready for Opening Day.

“Obviously, you can’t predict the future, but I didn’t want to come back if I thought that there’s going to be a chance I get hurt,” Kershaw said. “Obviously, health is unpredictable at times, but I’d rather not play than get paid and be hurt, honestly, at this point in my career. I wouldn’t come back if I didn’t think I could pitch a full season and be ready to go. That’s what I’m here to do.”

As Kershaw walked off the mound on Oct. 1, most wondered if that was the last time the future Hall of Famer would take the Dodger Stadium mound. Those thoughts were put to rest when the lefty jogged onto the field at Camelback Ranch.

Kershaw is officially back, for at least one more season.