LOS ANGELES — Although Clayton Kershaw will not take the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers during this postseason, he has announced his intention to return in 2025.

“I feel great mentally. After having shoulder surgery last offseason, my shoulder and elbow feel amazing,” he commented. “This year has been tough with my foot injury, but I don’t want to waste the benefits of my surgery. I’m committed to coming back next year and giving it my all.”

Kershaw holds a player option with Los Angeles for 2025, and his recent declaration strongly indicates he will activate that option.

Before the playoffs began, Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts revealed that Kershaw would be sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a toe injury. His last appearance was on August 30, where he lasted just one inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks before exiting due to a bone spur in his left big toe.

The 36-year-old veteran had been actively throwing in hopes of being available for the postseason, but the team’s medical staff determined it was necessary to keep him off the field. Roberts mentioned that the injury was “actually getting worse.” Kershaw had previously acknowledged that surgery was “definitely a consideration,” but no decisions have been made yet.

This season proved challenging for the three-time Cy Young award winner, who signed a one-year deal with the team he’s played with throughout his entire major league career. After undergoing surgery in November to fix a torn capsule in his left shoulder, he didn’t pitch until July 25. During this season, he logged 30 innings over seven starts, finishing with a record of 2-2 and an ERA of 4.50, his highest in 17 seasons.

The future Hall of Famer has spent his entire major league career in Los Angeles since making his debut for the Dodgers in 2008. With accolades including the 2014 NL MVP and ten All-Star selections, Kershaw boasts an impressive career ERA of 2.50, the lowest among active pitchers in MLB.

Next season also presents him with the opportunity to reach 3,000 career strikeouts, a milestone achieved by only 19 players in MLB history.