Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
To the victor go the spoils, and for the Los Angeles Dodgers it has encompassed Cody Bellinger, Clayton Kershaw and Corey Seager hitting the talk show circuit since winning the World Series last week.
Bellinger and Kershaw appeared together on “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” where they discussed winning the title, and the former’s penchant for having a blank stare while in the dugout, among other topics. Meanwhile, Corey Seager was a guest on “The Tonight Show.”
The latest talk show appearance saw Kershaw interviewed on “The Ellen Show.” He was asked about potentially spending his entire career with the Dodgers, which Kershaw would welcome:
“I hope so. I don’t know what their hope is. I’ll be there next year for sure.”
Kershaw just completed a 10th season with the Dodgers, who selected him seventh overall in the 2006 MLB Draft. As the 32-year-old alluded to, he has one year remaining on a three-year contract extension that was signed after the 2018 season.
It marked a second time the left-hander inked a deal to remain with the Dodgers rather than become a free agent. Despite it being conceivably his final time to potentially cash in on a long-term contract, the three-time Cy Young Award winner preferred a shorter deal.
After a bit of an inconsistent season in 2019, Kershaw bounced back and enjoyed somewhat of a renaissance year. Back trouble did prevent Kershaw from making an Opening Day start, but he otherwise was healthy throughout 2020.
Kershaw finished 6-2 with a 2.16 ERA in 10 starts, then went 4-1 with a 2.93 ERA in four starts during the postseason. Kershaw won two games during the World Series, marking the first time in his career he warned multiple victories in a single playoff series.
Kershaw not concerned about ‘legacy’
For several years Kershaw was dogged by a perception he is unable to succeed in the postseason. He seemed to erase that, though it wasn’t anywhere near his mind after the Dodgers ended their World Series drought.
“I don’t care at all, man. We won the World Series. The 2020 Dodgers won the World Series,” Kershaw said. “Who cares about all that other stuff? To be a part of that team, all that other stuff is just pointless. It doesn’t matter. We won. It’s great.”
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in our shows, and more!