Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers Discussing Blockbuster Contract Extension
By Eric He
For the Los Angeles Dodgers, money isn’t an issue.
According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, the Dodgers are discussing a blockbuster contract extension with ace Clayton Kershaw.
The seven-year deal would surpass the $180 million that was given by the Detroit Tigers to Justin Verlander in the offseason, so it would be the largest contract for a pitcher in baseball history.
“The two sides discussed a variety of proposals earlier in the negotiations — including 10 years, $250 million and 12 years, $300 million,” Rosenthal wrote.
However, it looks as if Kershaw will not be given as many years as the earlier negotiations.
Kershaw is 5-4 with a 1.84 ERA this season. He won the Cy Young Award in 2011 and finished second in 2012.
At just 25 years of age, he has already accomplished what many fail to do in an entire career, so he is well worth the monster contract.
However, the Dodgers have been spending like crazy since new ownership took over, and it hasn’t been translating to wins. They are dead last in the NL West with a 29-38 record, and even Yasiel Puig couldn’t spark the club.
Money doesn’t buy wins; they can just ask their SoCal counterparts, the Los Angeles Angels. Kershaw is a great pitcher, and he deserves a big contract, but that won’t change the course of the franchise.