Kershaw’s Potential Return to Dodgers in 2025 Amid Toe Injury Concerns

As the Los Angeles Dodgers advance in the postseason, speculation surrounds Clayton Kershaw‘s future with the team, particularly concerning his potential return for the 2025 season. Kershaw, who has been a pivotal figure for the Dodgers, faces a decision on whether to exercise an option that could yield up to $15 million in incentives, as well as whether to negotiate a new contract with the team. Another critical factor in this decision is the status of Kershaw’s left big toe, which is currently affected by bone spur and inflammation. Surgery may be on the horizon, affecting his ability to pitch a full season at age 37.

Kershaw commented on the situation, stating, “It’s not, like, super clear-cut. But I think we’re getting a pretty decent plan together in place. Whatever happens, it can wait until after this run here.” His availability for a full season in 2025 remains uncertain, as he plans to discuss it further with Andrew Friedman, President of Baseball Operations for the Dodgers. Kershaw emphasized the necessity of figuring out these details at a later date, stating, “I don’t know if a full season is in the cards necessarily, but it might be. I just, I don’t know yet. Got to figure it out.”

Meanwhile, Max Muncy discussed the Dodgers’ offensive strategy during the postseason. Highlighting a shift in approach compared to previous postseasons, Muncy explained, “Understanding that taking too many good pitches to hit, then on the flip side of that, because you’re trying to null that, you’re swinging at too many pitches out of the zone.” This postseason, the Dodgers have averaged 5.5 runs per game, scoring at least five runs in five of their eight games.

The Dodgers are also experiencing an unusual situation regarding broadcasting. Joe Davis, their lead TV broadcaster, is covering every Dodgers postseason game due to his role as the lead baseball announcer for Fox Sports, which holds the National League broadcast rights this year. Stephen Nelson is providing radio coverage on AM 570, maintaining continuity with the team’s local audience. Joe Davis remarked on the unique connection between broadcasters and baseball fans, stating, “Your connection with the broadcasters is stronger than any other sport because there’s 162 [games], just about all of them you’re spending with the two guys that are with the team.”

In a related development, Charter Communications, which manages Spectrum, SportsNet LA, and Access SportsNet, is undergoing restructuring that involves eliminating a few positions and scaling back programming. While live coverage of Dodgers and Lakers games will continue unaffected, the company plans to cancel “Behind the Sport” and reduce new episodes of “Backstage: Dodgers” and “Backstage: Lakers” to one per month, according to company spokeswoman Maureen Huff.