Dodgers extend Clayton Kershaw’s contract in blockbuster deal

The Dodgers started last season in Australia against the Arizona Diamondbacks. This one begins against the The San Diego Padres in Chavez Ravine, but for the majority of fans who can't watch the game, it might as well be taking place 13,000 miles away.

The deal costs $215 million over the seven years, and shatters the seven-year, $180 million extension the Detroit Tigers paid to keep Justin Verlander, making the 25-year-old Kershaw the highest paid pitcher ever.

The deal, first reported by ESPN LA, costs $215 million over the seven years, and shatters the seven-year, making the 25-year-old the highest paid baseball player ever. The contract comes with an opt-out clause after five seasons, meaning that left-hander could become a free agent at 30 years old.

Kershaw has established himself as one of the best pitchers in the game, having won the Cy Young Award twice in the last three seasons and helping to lead the Dodgers to a division championship last year.

What would keeping Kershaw in Los Angeles mean for the Dodgers? Pitchers are particularly prone to injury, does this contract extension make financial sense for the Dodgers?

Guest:
Bill Shaikin, who covers baseball for the Los Angeles Times