Clayton Kershaw Eyes a 2025 Return Following Toe Injury and Surgery
As the 2024 baseball season enters postseason play without him, Clayton Kershaw is already setting his sights on a comeback in 2025. The 36-year-old left-hander, known for his legendary career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, is currently recovering from a string of injuries that have kept him off the mound, notably sidelining him since August due to a significant issue with a bone spur in his big toe.
Interestingly, Kershaw's optimism remains undeterred. The veteran pitcher, who has amassed an impressive 212 career wins, was restricted this past season to just seven starts, pitching only 30 innings. "Mentally, I feel great," Kershaw shared, underscoring his determination and resilience. For a player with three Cy Young awards under his belt, such grit is emblematic of his career.
His recent battles with injury began last offseason when Kershaw underwent shoulder surgery. Remarkably, his arm’s recovery seems to be progressing as hoped. "I had shoulder surgery last offseason, and my shoulder and elbow, everything, my arm, feels great," Kershaw assured his supporters. Unfortunately, his foot suffered a "tough luck" scenario this year, adding to the challenges he has had to overcome.
These challenges, however, have not diminished his desire to continue playing. With an ERA+ of 156 and a WAR of 76.5, Kershaw's legacy is firmly cemented, yet his motivation to "make use of this surgery" pushes him to pursue a return next year. "I don't want to have surgery and shut it down," Kershaw emphasized. "So I'm gonna come back next year and give it a go and see how it goes."
The path to recovery is not unfamiliar to professional athletes, yet each journey comes with its own set of uncertainties, especially for seasoned players like Kershaw. Navigating these challenges is also a matter of contract decisions. Kershaw holds a $5 million player option for the upcoming season. Despite these financial details, his primary concern is undoubtedly health and form.
This season, Kershaw earned $5 million, yet the payout seems almost secondary to his yearning to compete once more at the highest level. Missing out on the postseason was undoubtedly a bitter pill, but such setbacks only fuel his resolve to wear Dodger blue once again. His mental fortitude and physical rehabilitation efforts speak volumes of his commitment to the game.
As the calendar edges closer to 2025, the big question remains: How will Kershaw's body respond to another year and another comeback attempt? While the answers may elude us now, Kershaw’s mindset offers an inkling that he is not yet ready to hang up his cleats. Baseball fans, particularly those at Chavez Ravine, will be watching closely, hoping for another chapter in the storied career of the iconic lefty.
The desire to return to the game embodies the spirit that has characterized Kershaw’s illustrious tenure in Major League Baseball. In an era where player longevity is constantly tested, his determination sheds light on the passion that drives the modern athlete—a passion that, despite injuries and setbacks, refuses to be dimmed.