Report: Los Angeles Dodgers, Clayton Kershaw agree to seven year, $215 million contract

Oct 18, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw throws a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning in game six of the National League Championship Series baseball game at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David E. Klutho/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Sports

Earlier in the day, reports indicated the Los Angeles Dodgers and star pitcher Clayton Kershaw were close to agreeing to a multi-year deal.

On Wednesday afternoon, Ramona Shelburne of ESPN Los Angeles reported the deal was done.

The Dodgers and Clayton Kershaw have agreed on a seven year, $215 million contract, sources have told ESPN. Out after five
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) January 15, 2014

Although the money is huge, having an out after five years makes it more attractive. Plus, the Dodgers had to get the deal done and Kershaw is still only 25 years old. In a day where star players have received eight and 10 year contracts, it certainly could have been worse from a Dodgers’ standpoint.

Last year, Kershaw went 16-9 with a 1.83 ERA, 232 strikeouts, a WHIP of .92 in 236.0 innings and won his second Cy Young Award (He also won the Cy Young in 2011).

Over his career, Kershaw is 77-46 with a 2.60 ERA, a WHIP of 1.09 with 1,206 strikeouts.