Dodgers and Kershaw discussing a contract Extension

[Goober]

First, Felix Hernandez. Then Justin Verlander. And soon, Clayton Kershaw.

The Dodgers have made progress on a seven-year extension for Kershaw, and the dollar amount will be above the $180 million the Tigers awarded Verlander, according to major-league sources. The contract would be the largest for a pitcher in baseball history.


Kershaw, 25, would warrant a richer deal than Verlander, 30, and Hernandez, 27, because he is younger than both of those pitchers, sources said.

The two sides discussed a variety of proposals earlier in the negotiations — including 10 years, $250 million and 12 years, $300 million, sources said.

The deal currently under discussion is more in line with the current market — and would make Kershaw a free agent again at 32 if it did not include options.

Kershaw currently is in the second year of a two-year, $19 million contract.

Kershaw, who turned 25 on March 19, was the National League Cy Young award winner in 2011. He has a 5-4 record and 1.84 ERA on the season.

He was 66-41 with a 2.71 ERA lifetime.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/clayton-kershaw-los-angeles-dodgers-deal-061513

A 12 year 300 million deal was discussed at one point. I assume this was brought up by Kershaw's agent, because you have to assume any player would sign a deal like that in a heartbeat.

 

[ThomasTomasz]

I've heard rumors of seven years. They have the funds to support whatever they deem necessary, so there isn't a problem from that end. He's also young, has the proven track record of success, so yeah, it's definitely going to be a record-setting contract when it's signed.