Dodgers, Clayton Kershaw extend contract option deadline until Friday
The Los Angeles Dodgers and Clayton Kershaw’s representatives seem to be working in good faith regarding the pitcher’s contract situation with the team.
Kershaw had three days after the end of the World Series to make a decision on whether he would terminate his existing contract, which has two years and $65 million remaining. MLB Network’s Jon Morosi says the two sides have agreed to extend the option deadline until Friday.
#Dodgers, Clayton Kershaw “have agreed to extend the deadline on his option decision until Friday at 4 p.m. ET,” the team said tonight. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 1, 2018
ESPN’s Buster Olney reported early on Wednesday that most around the league expect the two sides to work out an extension.
Almost all of the educated guesses heard from agents/execs about Clayton Kershaw's situation is that the left-hander and the Dodgers will work out some kind of extension of one or two years, beyond the two years/$70 million he is owed. He has to decide whether to opt out today.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) October 31, 2018
Morosi further reported that the Dodgers appear interested in retaining Kershaw.
Kershaw turns 31 in March. The southpaw has spent his entire career with the Dodgers since being drafted by the franchise in 2006. Despite his postseason shortcomings, Kershaw has won three Cy Young Awards and has been a huge part of the team’s success this decade.
The fact that Kershaw did not know the exact details of his option seemed to signify he didn’t have much interest in leaving the team. It seems as if that feeling is mutual.
