To the surprise of no one, the press conference held at Dodger Stadium this morning was scheduled to formally announce a new contract extension for Clayton Kershaw. As I'm sure you know by now, Clayton and the Dodgers came to an agreement for a 7-year extension in the amount of $215 million.
The breakdown of this deal was shared by CBS Sports reporter Jon Heyman on twitter a couple of days ago.
2014: $22m ($18m signing bonus, $4m salary)Also, after year 5 Kershaw can opt-out of the contract. If he continues to pitch like he has, I would expect that this is a likely event.
2015: $30m
2016: $32m
2017: $33m
2018: $33m
2019: $32m
2020: $33m
From a Dodgers press release:
"It is an incredible privilege to be part of the Los Angeles Dodger organization for another seven years," said Kershaw. "L.A. has become a second home to me and my wife, and I'm excited for the opportunity to represent the city for a long time to come. I am particularly grateful to our team's ownership and front office for believing in me. With this contract comes tremendous responsibility, not only as a pitcher, but as a good steward of the resources given to me. To whom much is given, much is required. Ellen and I are excited to take an undeserved blessing and, Lord willing, make a difference in the lives of others. I'm humbled by this recognition and looking forward to a new season, and hopefully, a World Series championship for the city of Los Angeles."Ned Colletti adds:
"There are great players and pitchers in the game," said Colletti. "And then there are those who are truly special. Clayton is not only among the elite of this era, but the perspective he and Ellen bring to their lives in helping others is equally remarkable. We have been honored to have the Kershaws as part of the Dodger organization and we are honored to have them as a part of the Dodger family for years to come."Jon Weisman at Dodger Insider released a story just a moment ago that features Clayton Kershaw speaking with reporters via a speaker phone this morning. You should check that out, here. Below are some quotes.
“During the season, it’s always hard to think about that stuff,” Kershaw said on the phone from Texas with reporters. “I didn’t let myself think about it too much. Once the offseason started, I always kind of had the feeling it was going to work out.”and
“I don’t think there’s a negative,” Kershaw said. “I think it’s how you look at it. Obviously, there’s gonna be a lot of expectations as it should be, if your salary’s out there and you’re one of the top players in the game, you’re gonna be expected to be one of the best players in the game. That’s fine with me. I look forward to those expectations and look forward to trying to live up to them.”BTW, his teammates (and former teammates) came out in great support of him.
From Hanley Ramirez:
Congratulations @ClaytonKersh22 THE BEST IN THE GAME! Well earned and deserved. I hope you left me a little bit haha pic.twitter.com/zWgJGaoMa8
— Hanley Ramirez (@HanleyRamirez) January 17, 2014
From AJ Ellis:
Big winner today......me. I am blessed to catch best in the game for foreseeable future God willing. Congrats Kersh!
— AJ Ellis (@AJEllis17) January 15, 2014
From Matt Kemp:
Congrats 2 the best pitcher in baseball and great teammate @ClaytonKersh22 on his deal!
— Matt Kemp (@TheRealMattKemp) January 15, 2014
From Nick Punto:
congrats Kershaw's I'm so happy for u guys @ellenkershaw @ClaytonKersh22
— Natalie Punto (@MsShredderpunto) January 15, 2014
Oh... And what did Clayton do to celebrate?
Well... Ping Pong with friends, of course (via @Dodgers on twitter).
"Had some buddies over, played some ping pong, and grilled out." -@ClaytonKersh22 on how he celebrated his extension. Of course.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) January 17, 2014
Pic at the very top via Jon SooHoo and Patrick Gee/LA Dodgers 2013.
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