Money is of no concern to the Los Angeles Dodgers, a strange but welcome change from the previous ownership group who pinched pennies with every opportunity.
So it’s not much of a shock that the Dodgers and ace pitcher Clayton Kershaw were in talks for a contract extension over $200 million dollars, though, it is a little strange to hear that it was the Dodgers who backed out of the offer earlier this season.
Per Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal:
"Clayton Kershaw, the $200 million dollar man? The idea nearly became reality earlier this season, when Kershaw was close to signing a record-setting, seven-year extension in the $210 million range, according to major league sources.The Dodgers backed off, though, and the two sides have not negotiated in months, sources said. Talks are unlikely to resume until the offseason, and by then Kershaw’s price could be even higher."
It’s not known why the Dodgers decided to pull that offer off the table, though, it may have cost them a bit more considering the season Kershaw is having.
It’s possible the Dodgers did not want Kershaw to have the out-clause he desired, which would allow Kershaw to become a free agent in five years.
The $30 million dollar annual deal would be the richest in Major League Baseball history, on a year to year basis.