Clayton Kershaw Open to Long-Term Contract Extension with Dodgers

Left-hander Clayton Kershaw is open to the idea of signing a long-term extension with his current club, the Los Angeles Dodgers, reports Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times:

"Yeah, sure, I'm always open to talks," Kershaw said. "I've had a great time here. I love the guys and I love everything about L.A."

Kershaw won’t reach the free agent market until following the 2014 season, as the 24-year-old is set to earn $11 million next year. If an extension isn’t worked out by the winter of 2013, Kershaw would go through the arbitration process before entering his final season of team control.

Kershaw noted that he doesn’t feel any pressure to complete an extension with LA, as he said he’ll be with the club for two more years regardless of what happens with negotiations. The reigning National League Cy Young Award winner hasn’t set a deadline for talks.

Following his breakout 2011 campaign, Kershaw has posted an ERA of 2.84 with 8.8 SO/9 and 2.1 BB/9 over twenty-seven starts. He owns a career ERA of 2.87 over five seasons at the major league level.

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Do you expect Kershaw to sign long-term with the Dodgers?

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