It was the news that Dodgers fans have been expecting since the World Series ended. The face of the franchise for the past ten years will not take on the remaining two years and $70 million of his contract. The good news is, he has signed a brand new contract to stay with the team for quite some time.

Kershaw contract with #Dodgers is for three years, $93M with incentives, per source. — Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 2, 2018

Following the World Series, most fans had hoped the front office would sign him to an extension immediately. His deadline to make a decision was pushed back to Friday at 1 pm, presumably, so they could hammer out the details of his contract. Oddsmakers had put the Dodgers as the team Kershaw is most likely to start the 2019 season with next year.

The deal looks like it could not have worked out better for both sides. The Dodgers get to maintain the face of their franchise for a good part of their future, and Kershaw will get financial security for quite some time. The deal lowers his annual average salary down from $35 million a year which will greatly help the team as well.

Kershaw has accumulated a career 2.39 earned run average, seven All-Star selections, three Cy Young Awards, and one MVP award. All of those accolades have been in a Dodgers’ uniform. He has also collected 2,275 career strikeouts as a Dodger and a lowly 1.005 WHIP. One heck of a career for a guy that has constantly represented Los Angeles well both on and off of the field.

The resigning means that Kershaw will also get the chance to be the mentor for the young guns in the Dodgers’ system. Guys like Julio Urias and Walker Buheler have already worked their way into the starting rotation, and I am sure that his guidance will take them a long way in their careers.

Follow me on Twitter all Offseason long for the latest news, rumors, and shenanigans with Dodgers Nation! –Brook Smith

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