The left-hander, rehabbing from foot and knee surgeries, matches Zach Wheat and Bill Russell for the longest tenures in franchise history.

Yet, Kershaw did not hesitate to come back. His one-year, $7.5 million deal (plus incentives for games started and time on the active roster) ties him with Zack Wheat and Bill Russell for the most seasons (18) in Dodgers franchise history.

Kershaw, who signed a one-year, $7.5 million deal, has been with the Dodgers since 2008. He has a 212-94 career record with a 2.50 ERA and 2,968 strikeouts.