Clayton Kershaw’s Emotional Plea to Stay with Dodgers: ‘I’ll Take a Pay Cut’
Los Angeles, CA – On June 1, 2025, Los Angeles Dodgers legend Clayton Kershaw bared his soul in a tearful interview with ESPN, pleading to remain with the only team he’s ever known. “I’ll take a pay cut. I’ll prove I’m a good fit for the team. Please let me stay,” the three-time Cy Young winner said, addressing rumors about his future as his one-year, $10 million contract nears its end. With the Dodgers fresh off a World Series title, Kershaw’s emotional appeal has sparked debate: can the 37-year-old ace still anchor the rotation, or is sentimentality clouding a tough business decision?
Kershaw’s 2025 season has been a battle. After declining his $10 million player option in November 2024, he signed a one-year deal with up to $15 million in bonuses, betting on himself despite shoulder surgery that delayed his return until August 2025. In limited action, Kershaw posted a 3.12 ERA over 34.2 innings, striking out 28 but showing reduced velocity, per MLB.com. His postseason heroics—a scoreless relief outing in Game 5 of the World Series—reminded fans of his clutch pedigree, but injuries, including a 2024 toe issue, raise durability concerns.
The Dodgers’ pitching staff is stacked, with Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Tyler Glasnow leading a rotation that topped MLB with a 3.14 ERA in 2025. Young arms like Bobby Miller and veteran additions like Shane Bieber, signed for $13.67 million, intensify competition. Kershaw’s plea reflects his fear of being squeezed out, especially after president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman hinted at payroll flexibility for 2026. Posts on X show fans torn: some call Kershaw “the heart of LA,” while others argue his 1.9 WAR in 2025 doesn’t justify a roster spot.
Kershaw’s case is emotional and statistical. A Dodger since 2008, he’s the franchise leader in strikeouts (2,944) and ERA (2.48), with a 2014 MVP and 10 All-Star nods. His 2020 World Series ring cemented his legacy, but recent years have been marred by injuries—back, forearm, and shoulder issues limited him to 44 starts since 2021. “I know I’m not 25 anymore,” Kershaw admitted, “but I can still get outs.” His willingness to take a pay cut—potentially below his $10 million 2025 base—echoes his 2024 decision to accept a modest deal over retiring.
The Dodgers face a dilemma. Keeping Kershaw risks sentimentality over strategy, especially with $231 million committed to 2026 payroll, per Spotrac. Yet, his clubhouse presence is unmatched. Teammate Mookie Betts called him “our anchor,” crediting Kershaw’s mentorship for Miller’s 2025 breakout (11-6, 3.45 ERA). Manager Dave Roberts, who’s navigated Kershaw’s injuries, praised his Game 5 grit: “That’s Clayton Kershaw. He’s built for October.” A short-term, incentive-laden deal could balance nostalgia and pragmatism, similar to Albert Pujols’ 2021 return.
Fan reaction is fervent. A Dodger Stadium ovation greeted Kershaw’s August 2025 return, and X posts trend with #KeepKershaw, urging Friedman to extend him. Critics, however, point to his 88.7 MPH fastball and 1.35 WHIP, arguing prospects like Landon Knack deserve priority. Kershaw’s plea also resonates personally—he and wife Ellen have raised millions for charity in LA, tying their family to the city. “This is home,” Kershaw said, choking up.
As the offseason looms, Friedman must weigh Kershaw’s intangibles against a loaded roster. A two-year, $12 million deal with heavy incentives could work, but interest from the Texas Rangers, Kershaw’s hometown team, looms as a wildcard. With 87 games left in 2025, Kershaw’s final starts could sway the decision. “I’m not done,” he vowed. “I’ll prove I belong.” For Dodgers fans, the question isn’t just if Kershaw stays—it’s whether LA can win without its heart and soul.
