Clayton Kershaw has been one of the most promising performers in the game over the years, and now he returns for bigger games while wearing the same uniform for the Los Angeles Dodgers as he seeks to help them win back-to-back World Series finishes once more.

Injuries have limited Clayton Kershaw from playing the best of his games in the 2024 season, even missing the entire playoff run that saw the Dodgers sit at the top of the big stage once more. The pitcher did, however, claim to want more action in 2025 with the hopes of redeeming his game once more and helping the Dodgers come up with the best run that the world has seen in a long while.

While the club has not confirmed the deal, Kershaw has agreed to a deal that will bring him back to Los Angeles once more after he underwent offseason toe and knee surgeries and is expected to miss time to open the season. At this point, there are high hopes that Kershaw will be able to deliver a promising run again.

A Legendary Icon Back for Los Angeles

Clayton Kershaw has been a cornerstone of the Dodgers franchise, establishing himself as one of the best pitchers in MLB history over his 17-year career. A three-time Cy Young Award winner and one-time MVP, Kershaw has been selected to 10 All-Star teams. His career ERA stands at an impressive 2.50, and his 156 ERA+ ranks first all-time among pitchers with at least 2,000 innings.

After declining his 2025 player option, Kershaw became a free agent, but his return to the Dodgers seemed all but certain. With spring training underway and media day in full swing, the Dodgers' heightened expectations for the upcoming season were clear, with many players emphasizing a focus on the daily grind leading to the ultimate goal: repeating as World Series champions.

"His commitment to be here on the 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?

From 2011 to 2017, Kershaw was at the peak of his career, making the All-Star team every year and finishing no lower than fifth in NL Cy Young voting in each of those seven seasons. Over 207 starts in that stretch, he posted an outstanding 118-41 record, a 2.10 ERA (179 ERA+), a 0.91 WHIP, and an impressive 5.73 K/BB ratio.

For Better Health

Kershaw is aiming for better health in 2025 after a tumultuous 2024 season, in which he only pitched 30 innings. The 36-year-old left-hander underwent left shoulder surgery in November 2023, delaying his 2024 debut until July 25. Unfortunately, after just seven starts, Kershaw was sidelined again with a left big toe injury. During those starts, he posted a 4.50 ERA.

While Kershaw has dealt with various injuries and a decline in velocity in recent years, his performance had remained relatively steady until 2024. From 2018 to 2023, he made 133 appearances (132 starts) and compiled a 66-28 record with a 2.77 ERA (149 ERA+), a 1.01 WHIP, and a 5.09 K/BB ratio, demonstrating that, even in his later years, he remains a highly effective pitcher when healthy.

Heading into 2025, the key question for Kershaw will be whether he can regain his health and return to his former level of dominance. Though injuries have started to take their toll, the Dodgers will continue to lean on his vast experience and leadership, understanding that, even if he's not quite the pitcher he once was, Kershaw still possesses the talent and wisdom to be a valuable contributor to their pitching staff.