“I’m doing well mentally. “I had shoulder surgery last offseason, and my shoulder, elbow, and arm all feel great,” he remarked. “Obviously, I had bad luck with my foot this year, but I want to take advantage of this surgery. I don’t want to have surgery and then shut down. So I’ll come back next year and see how it goes.”

Kershaw has a player option with Los Angeles for 2025 and Monday’s announcement all but guarantees that he will pick up that option.

Just before the playoffs began, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed that Kershaw would be sidelined for the rest of the season due to a toe injury. He last pitched on August 30 against the Arizona Diamondbacks, going only one inning before leaving due to a bone spur in his left big toe.

The 36-year-old veteran had been throwing and trying to keep active so he could be ready for the playoffs, but the team ultimately chose to shut him down. Roberts claimed the injury was “actually getting worse.” Kershaw previously stated that surgery is “definitely in the conversation,” but no plans have been disclosed.

Despite signing a one-year contract with the organization where he has spent his entire big league career, the three-time Cy Young champion had an injury-filled season. In November, he had surgery to repair a ruptured capsule in his left shoulder. He did not make his first appearance of the season until July 25. This season, he tossed 30 innings in seven starts, posting a 2-2 record and a 4.50 ERA, the highest of his 17-year career.