Mon Oct 14 20:40:00 UTC 2024: ## Kershaw to Pitch in 2025, Aiming to Extend Legendary Career

**LOS ANGELES –** Despite a season cut short by a left toe injury, three-time National League Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw announced his plans to pitch in 2025. The veteran left-hander, who turns 37 next March, revealed his intentions during a pregame show for Game 2 of the NLCS on Monday.

Kershaw’s 2024 season was prematurely ended by bone spurs in his left toe, an issue that prevented him from participating in the Dodgers’ postseason run.

“Obviously, I had some tough luck with my foot this year,” Kershaw said. “But I want to make use of this surgery. I don’t want to have surgery and shut it down. So I’m gonna come back next year and give it a go and see how it goes.”

The announcement comes as Kershaw holds a $10 million player option for the 2025 season.

The veteran pitcher last pitched on August 30, exiting a start against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the second inning after surrendering a home run to Corbin Carroll.

Kershaw, who underwent offseason shoulder surgery, had a lengthy recovery process that delayed his return to the Dodgers until late July. He managed only seven starts and 30 innings in 2024, posting a 4.50 ERA.

Despite missing much of the regular season, Kershaw hoped to pitch in the postseason and continued to throw to stay ready. However, he admitted that his efforts may have exacerbated the toe issue.

“Really, it’s not getting better, so I can’t pitch,” Kershaw told reporters before the NLDS. “I had to keep my arm going to have a chance and by doing that, I probably made this worse.”

With 2,968 career strikeouts, Kershaw is just 32 away from reaching the 3,000-strikeout milestone, a feat that would place him among the 20th pitchers in MLB history. The left-hander boasts a career 2.50 ERA and a 212-94 record, highlighting his incredible consistency and dominance. He also captured the NL MVP and Cy Young Award in 2014, posting a remarkable 21-3 record with a 1.77 ERA and 239 strikeouts.

As he enters his potential 16th season, Kershaw’s return signifies his unwavering commitment to the game and his desire to extend his legacy.

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