Los Angeles Dodgers: Clayton Kershaw not committing beyond 2021

Clayton Kershaw would seemingly be in a prime position for an extension. He is in the final year of a three year $93 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, one that has proved to be well worth the price. As he will turn 33 years old before the start of the upcoming season, Kershaw would appear to have plenty of baseball left.

But that may not be the case. The Dodgers have yet to discuss an extension with Kershaw, and he has not exactly been adamant about playing beyond this year. He has finally won a World Series, and with a young family, he has other concerns at this point.

Los Angeles Dodgers would have major void without Clayton Kershaw

There is no question that Kershaw is the Dodgers’ ace. Even in a year where some of the biggest stars in the game struggled, he performed at his usual level. He posted a stellar 2.16 ERA and a 0.840 WHiP in his 58.1 innings, striking out 62 batters with only eight walks.

But the innings are starting to add up. Kershaw has battled injuries over the past few years, failing to make at least 30 appearances in a season since 2015. When he has been on the mound, Kershaw has maintained his typical level of excellence, but that has not exactly been a given over the past few years.

Even if Kershaw decides to hang up his cleats at the end of this season, his place in Cooperstown is without question. A three time Cy Young winner and the 2014 NL MVP, he has posted a 175-76 record with a 2.43 ERA and a 1.003 WHiP in his 2333 career innings, striking out 2526 batters with only 585 walks.

Losing Kershaw would leave a major void in the Dodgers rotation. While Walker Buehler appears to be on the cusp of being an ace, and Trevor Bauer adds another top of the rotation starter, neither pitcher has that same effect as Kershaw. He remains the undisputed ace, the pitcher that the Dodgers expect to dominate every time out.

But those times could be coming to an end for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Clayton Kershaw has yet to confirm a desire to pitch beyond the upcoming season.