Three-time Cy Young Award winner has opted not to accept the $10 million player option from the Los Angeles Dodgers, making him a free agent.
The MLB Players Association confirmed his status as a free agent in a statement on Monday. However, it is anticipated that he will re-sign with the Dodgers, the only team he has played for during his 17-year career.
The 36-year-old pitcher struggled with injuries for much of last season, ending with a 2-2 record and a 4.50 ERA across seven starts.
In addition, the Dodgers have exercised a $5 million option for infielder Miguel Rojas and a $3.5 million option for catcher Austin Barnes. Barnes, who has played 10 seasons with the team, is the second-longest tenured player on the Dodgers, behind only Kershaw.
Rojas, 35, just finished one of the best seasons of his 11-year career, with a.283 batting average, six home runs, and 36 RBIs. Barnes finished the season with a.264 batting average, one home run, and eleven RBIs.
Los Angeles also extended a $21.05 million qualifying offer to outfielder Teoscar Hernández, who blasted a career-high 33 home runs. Hernández has until November 19 at 4 p.m. EST to determine whether to accept the offer.
If Hernández accepts, he will remain under contract with the Dodgers for another season. If he declines and signs with another team, that team must give up at least one draft selection, while the Dodgers will receive at least one draft pick in compensation.
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