Clayton Kershaw: Dodgers Ink Lefty Ace to 2-Year Deal

The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed ace lefty Clayton Kershaw to a two-year extension, according to Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times:

Hernandez subsequently noted that Kershaw's deal is for a grand total of $19 million. He gets a $500,000 signing bonus, a $7.5 million salary in 2012 and an $11 million salary in 2013.

Kershaw won 21 games while posting a 2.28 ERA in 2011, winning the National League Cy Young Award.

What Does It Mean?

Per Baseball-Reference.com, Kershaw made just $500,000 in 2011. It suffices to say he's getting a slight raise for 2012 and 2013.

He deserves it. Kershaw established himself as one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball in 2011, as he led the National League in wins, ERA and strikeouts. He finished third in innings pitched behind Chris Carpenter and Roy Halladay.

Not bad for a guy who's going to turn 24 in March. The Dodgers get to have him at least until he's 26, which is a big win for them. 

It's worth noting that the Dodgers also locked up Matt Kemp to a long-term extension earlier this offseason. 

What Happens Next?

Kershaw is not eligible for free agency until after the 2014 season, so the Dodgers don't have to worry about signing him to a long-term extension for at least the next couple of seasons.

At some point, though, the Dodgers will have to cross that bridge. A few years from now, Kershaw might just be the best pitcher in baseball, meaning he's going to have to be paid like the best pitcher in baseball. Dodgers fans better hope the team's new ownership has deep pockets.

Until then, it's all good. Kershaw was brilliant in 2011, and he has the goods to be even more brilliant in 2012 and beyond. Greatness was in his future as soon as he stepped foot in the big leagues, and he proved he's up to the task with his breakout season last year.

As long as Kershaw is wearing Dodger blue, the organization and its fans can rest easy.