This means that Kershaw, who is currently recovering from major shoulder surgery, could potentially spend another full season with the Dodgers and be part of the starting rotation alongside Shohei Ohtani.

Despite offers from his hometown Texas Rangers, Kershaw, who is set to turn 36 in March, decided to return to Los Angeles. He is expected to undergo a physical examination in Arizona this week, after which his contract with the Dodgers can be made official. The financial details of the agreement have not been disclosed at this time.

With Kershaw's placement on the 60-day injured list expected to happen on Thursday, he will begin the upcoming season in a rehab process. The left-handed pitcher underwent surgery in November to repair the capsule and gleno-humeral ligaments in his shoulder. While he has already started his throwing program, it will still be a few months before he can make appearances in games.

However, the inclusion of the player option in his contract allows Kershaw to potentially contend for multiple titles in Los Angeles. Additionally, he needs just 56 strikeouts to join the illustrious 3,000-strikeout club, indicating an exciting personal milestone that could be achieved in the upcoming seasons.

Kershaw will be rejoining a Dodgers' rotation that has undergone some changes during the offseason. The team has acquired pitchers Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and James Paxton, along with Ohtani. For the 2024 season, Ohtani will primarily serve as a designated hitter as he recovers from elbow surgery. However, the 2025 season could potentially see both Ohtani and Kershaw as integral parts of the starting rotation in Los Angeles.

As fans eagerly await Clayton Kershaw's return to the mound, the inclusion of a player option in his new contract shines a glimmer of hope for an extended stay in Los Angeles and the potential for continued success for the Dodgers.