Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers are working on a new contract that would keep him in Los Angeles beyond the two-year option remaining on his contract.
Kershaw has until Friday at 4pm eastern to either opt out or opt in two the final two years at $32 million in 2019 and $33 million in 2020.
According to Ken Rosenthal, even if Kershaw opts out both sides are hopeful a deal can get done.
#Dodgers remain optimistic of reaching new deal with Kershaw, with one source maintaining both sides really want it to happen. Keep in mind an agreement is NOT necessary by 4e/1p. Talks can continue even if Kershaw opts out, though at that point other teams will enter mix.
The 30-year-old left-hander’s market would be an interesting one. There’s no doubt a Major League team that would be willing to overpay him for his services.
But given the fact that Kershaw has missed time in the last three seasons due to injury and the velocity on his fastball has dipped, I highly doubt it would be in the $30 million a season range.
If I’m Kershaw, I opt in and make the money before the skills that got me that contract are completely gone. Which at this rate could be before the end of the two year option.
