Clayton Kershaw, the iconic pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, has recently shared his determination to return for the 2025 season after a challenging year plagued by injuries. Having been sidelined during the Dodgers' playoff run due to painful bone spurs in his left big toe, Kershaw's 2023 season was marked by a disheartening career-low of just 30 innings pitched.

In a candid interview with the Fox Sports pregame crew, Kershaw expressed his commitment to bouncing back, stating, “I want to make use of this surgery, you know? I don’t want to have surgery and shut it down. I’m gonna come back next year and give it a go and see how it goes.” This determination comes after a shoulder procedure he underwent last November, which he hopes will aid in his recovery.

Injuries have been Kershaw's bent companion over the past few years, leading him to contemplate retirement on multiple occasions. However, his love for the game and loyalty to the Dodgers have prevailed. Despite the setbacks, Kershaw has shown glimpses of his former brilliance, posting an impressive 2.37 ERA over the previous two seasons combined, earning All-Star honors in both years. Nonetheless, the 4.50 ERA in his most recent season reflects the toll that injuries have taken on his performance.

As for his ongoing health issues, it's uncertain if further surgery will be necessary for his problematic bone spurs. Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts noted that Kershaw has been dealing with this issue for a considerable amount of time, suggesting that a more permanent solution could be in the cards. Until decisions are made about his treatment, it remains unclear whether Kershaw will be fully prepared for Spring Training in February 2024.

Adding to the complexity of his career, Kershaw’s recent contract extension is structured to accommodate his injury parameters. He agreed to a two-year deal worth $10 million, which includes a $5 million player option for 2025 that he is expected to exercise. This arrangement gives both Kershaw and the Dodgers room to consider an extension, potentially securing his presence and salary for another season beyond 2025.

Interestingly, Kershaw's performance early in the season showcased his potential as a dominant pitcher; he held a commendable 2.63 ERA in his first five starts. However, as discomfort in his toe resurfaced, his performance waned, culminating in a difficult end to the season.

With various injury challenges this year, the Dodgers have reportedly considered a six-man rotation for the 2025 season to manage player health better. This strategy aims to provide additional rest for key players, including stars like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, ensuring they can contribute effectively without being overworked.

While Kershaw still has the opportunity to cap his storied career with a World Series ring this season, his fierce drive to return for another year is a testament to his passion for the game. As he steps into the next chapter of his career, fans eagerly await how this future Hall of Famer will navigate the challenges ahead, and whether he will reclaim his status among the league's elite pitchers once more.