Kershaw set to return to Dodgers for 18th season (reports)

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- It's been a long time since Clayton Kershaw wasn't around for the opening of Dodgers camp, and that didn't change this year.

Amid the familiar sights and sounds of spring baseball was Kershaw, playing catch on a backfield -- even though his anticipated re-signing with the team is not yet official.

The wait won't be long, as Kershaw on Tuesday agreed to a contract that will bring him back for his 18th season with the Dodgers, according to reports from The Athletic and ESPN. The club has not confirmed the deal, which is reportedly pending a physical. Kershaw underwent offseason toe and knee surgeries and is expected to miss time to open the season.

A franchise icon, Kershaw has been one of the best pitchers in baseball across his 17 seasons in the big leagues. He's won three Cy Young Awards and one MVP Award, and he's been selected to 10 All-Star teams. He owns a lifetime 2.50 ERA, and his 156 ERA+ ranks first in MLB history among pitchers with at least 2,000 innings.

He's racked up 212 career wins and sits 32 strikeouts shy of 3,000, which should make his eventual Hall of Fame case an easy one for voters.

Even more important, though, may be the tone Kershaw has set during his time with the organization.

With camp officially open to the media on Tuesday, there was much talk of the heightened expectations the Dodgers have with the opportunity to repeat as World Series champions this season. Many players spoke of focusing on the day-to-day work leading up to their ultimate goal.

"Everyone's trying to get better," third baseman Max Muncy said. "And that's, you know, all the names that I've seen walk through this clubhouse over the last eight, nine years that I've been here, everyone starting with No. 22 over there."

Kershaw -- who had a locker at Camelback Ranch on Tuesday -- has spent his entire professional career with the Dodgers, dating back to when he was drafted seventh overall in 2006 out of Highland Park High School in Dallas. He's had the time to make his mark on the organization, and his leadership has been invaluable during L.A.'s run of sustained success.

In that sense, Kershaw conveyed a message deeper than just wanting to return to the team by showing up at Camelback Ranch without an official contract in hand.

"His commitment to be [here] first day with the guys and being out there -- he's more than just a player," veteran infielder Miguel Rojas said. "He shows what this organization is all about. It's about being together from the beginning and … being unselfish in all capacities, and that's what Kersh does, you know?

"He shows up here, he wants to be out there for the guys, he wants to show his face, knowing that we have a lot of new players, and that [speaks to] the character of this room. We've been creating something really special the last couple years."

Kershaw will hope for better health in 2025 after throwing only 30 innings last year. The 36-year-old southpaw underwent left shoulder surgery in November 2023 and didn’t make his 2024 debut until July 25, then went back on the IL with a left big toe injury after seven starts, over which he posted a 4.50 ERA.

Kershaw became a free agent after declining his 2025 player option, but his return to the Dodgers never seemed in doubt.

Kershaw was at his absolute apex from 2011-17, making the All-Star team and finishing fifth or higher in the NL Cy Young voting in all seven years. Over 207 starts in that span, he went 118-41 with a 2.10 ERA (179 ERA+), a 0.91 WHIP and a 5.73 K/BB ratio.

Kershaw has dealt with a myriad of injuries and diminished velocity in recent years, but his performance didn’t really suffer until 2024. Over 133 appearances (132 starts) from 2018-23, he went 66-28 with a 2.77 ERA (149 ERA+), a 1.01 WHIP and a 5.09 K/BB ratio.

No matter what he can contribute on the mound, Kershaw should have a big role to play this coming season.

"Just having Kersh here makes a big difference for everybody," longtime teammate Chris Taylor said. "He's one of our leaders, and we're always happy to have him here. And then, of course, we're excited for when he is healthy, when he comes back -- we know what he brings to the table."