Kershaw Eyes 2024 Return: Legendary Pitcher Just 32 Strikeouts From Major Milestone

Clayton Kershaw is generating excitement among fans with his commitment to return for the upcoming season. Ahead of Game 2 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS) on Tuesday, Kershaw expressed his determination during a broadcast interview, saying, “I had some tough luck with my foot this year. But I want to make use of this surgery. I don’t want to have surgery and shut it down. So I will come back next year and give it a go and see how it goes.”

During the 2023 season, Kershaw faced challenges due to injuries. He returned at the end of July but finished with a record of 2 wins and 2 losses, posting an earned run average (ERA) of 4.50 over seven games. He later landed back on the injured list in early September due to pain in his left thumb, ultimately missing the postseason. However, in a recent interview, he expressed optimism about his condition, saying, “I had shoulder surgery last offseason, and my shoulder and elbow, everything, my arm, feels great.”

Since his Major League debut in 2008, Kershaw has had an outstanding 17-season career entirely with the Dodgers, recording an impressive 212 wins and 94 losses with an ERA of 2.50. He has been selected as an All-Star ten times, won the Cy Young Award three times, and earned the league MVP award once, solidifying his status as one of the greats in baseball. These accomplishments have made his induction into the Hall of Fame after retirement almost sure.

Notably, Kershaw holds the record for the most strikeouts in Dodgers history, with 2,968. If he adds 32 more strikeouts next season, he will reach the impressive milestone of 3,000 strikeouts.