• Loading stock data...
Monday, September 8, 2025
Fox Analyst and Media Entrepreneur Greg Olsen to Speak at Tuned In Get your ticket now!

Clayton Kershaw’s Unique 1-Year Dodgers Deal Hinges On Health

  • After his three-year, $93 million deal expired in 2021, the veteran inked an incentive-laden contact to return to L.A.
  • He will earn an extra $1.5 million if he wins his fourth NL Cy Young Award.
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Clayton Kershaw hurled seven perfect innings on 80 pitches in his season debut on Wednesday  — before Dodgers manager Dave Roberts lifted him, costing him a chance at the 24th perfect game in history. 

The Dodgers are playing it safe after the 34-year-old missed more than two months of the 2021 season with inflammation in his left forearm and had a shortened spring training due to the lockout.

After his three-year, $93 million contract expired this offseason, Kershaw contemplated signing with his hometown Rangers before returning to L.A. with a uniquely structured contract — based largely on his health.

  • In March, Kershaw signed for one year, $14.5M with a $2.5M signing bonus, plus the opportunity to earn millions with incentives.
  • If he starts 16 games, he’d receive a $1M bonus with an additional $1M for reaching 20, 22, 24, and 26.
  • A fourth NL Cy Young would bring another $1.5M ($500K for second or third).

A healthy Kershaw will give the Dodgers three aces in the rotation, along with Julio Urias and Walker Buehler, as they seek a second World Series title in three seasons.

Kershaw has the eighth-best odds (+1700) to win the Cy Young, while the Dodgers have the best odds (+475) to win it all.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Blue Jays
exclusive

MLBPA, DraftKings Agree to Settle NIL Suit

MLBPA said DraftKings and other sportsbooks improperly used players’ NIL.

MLB Attendance Is Holding Steady, but Gap Widens Between Teams

Recent attendance data varies widely from market to market.

The Big Money Behind Minor League Baseball’s Renaming Revolution

Teams are rebranding for local pride—and huge revenue.

MLB Extends Leaves of Clase, Ortiz as Betting Probe Continues

Their paid non-disciplinary leaves have been extended “until further notice.”

Featured Today

Aug 23, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) leads the team onto the field for warm ups before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.

Slow Burn: The NFL’s Private-Equity Era So Far

Three deals have been struck to date. But the league is bullish.
Tennis
September 5, 2025

The US Open Is Groaning Under the Weight of Its Own Success

New York’s tennis major is more popular than ever.
Dec 21, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) gets ready to take the field prior to a game against the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
September 5, 2025

How Brazil Game Fits Into NFL’s Plans for World Domination

Friday night’s Chiefs-Chargers game in São Paulo is big by design.
Oct 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) and wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) celebrate their touchdown pass during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field.
September 2, 2025

TV Ratings Just Changed Again. The NFL Will Be the Big Winner

Nielsen’s new viewership system will have a big impact on sports.

Alcaraz Beats Sinner, Wins $5M Prize, Reclaims World No. 1

Alcaraz won a record $5 million first prize at the US Open.
Caitlin Clark
September 4, 2025

Caitlin Clark Says She Won’t Return From Injury This Year

She only played 13 games this season.
Angel Reese
September 5, 2025

Angel Reese Suspended For Half-Game After Ripping Teammates

The team is disciplining Reese for criticizing her teammates publicly.
Sponsored

Trailblazer Cal Calamia Is Racing for ‘Advocacy, Storytelling, and Performance’

The marathoner wants excellence—not just inclusion—to be the goal for non-binary athletes.
James Harden
September 4, 2025

James Harden’s Houston Restaurant Shut for Falling $2 Million Behind in Rent

A sign on the door says the locks have been changed.
exclusive
September 3, 2025

Angel Reese Faces Uncertain Future In Chicago After Publicly Torching Teammates 

Some sources say Reese’s future in Chicago may not be reparable.
September 3, 2025

No American Men in US Open Semifinals After 2024 Breakthrough

Two American men played in the semifinals last year.
September 1, 2025

Gareth Bale: MLS Quality Hurt By Low Salaries

Bale said MLS salaries aren’t competitive enough to lure stars from Europe.