Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw made just seven starts in 2024 as he dealt with injury concerns, but he underwent surgery with an eye on a healthy 2025 season.

"Had surgery yesterday on my foot and knee," he announced Thursday on his Instagram page. "... Planning to crush some rehab and be good as can be come next year. Thanks for all the prayers and support! World Series champs!"

The surgery announcement all but confirmed the southpaw will be back in 2025, which is notable since there were at least retirement discussions ahead of the 2024 campaign.

That is an important development, as he declined his $10 million player option with the Dodgers following the team's World Series title and became a free agent. Still, it would be a surprise to see him pitch for any other team considering he has spent his entire career with Los Angeles and has largely earned the benefit of the doubt from the franchise.

Such goodwill with the team could be important in any negotiations, as Kershaw didn't make his debut this past season until July 25 and then pitched his final game on Aug. 30.

"He declined the 2025 option but it is expected he and the Dodgers will renegotiate another incentive-based deal for the season since he declared himself a 'Dodger for life' at the World Series championship parade," per ESPN. "As a free agent, he currently isn't on the 40-man roster, and that gives the Dodgers some roster flexibility to work with over the winter."

Kershaw left that Aug. 30 start against the Arizona Diamondbacks after just one inning with a toe injury and didn't pitch again for the eventual World Series champions.

Despite his disappointing 2024 season, he will forever be a Dodgers legend with a resume that features a National League MVP, three NL Cy Young awards, five ERA titles, 10 All-Star Game selections and a Gold Glove.

While he is no longer at his peak and is set to turn 37 years old in March, he was quite effective as recently as 2023 as an All-Star who finished with a 2.46 ERA and 1.06 WHIP.

That type of production in 2025 would be a welcome development for Los Angeles as it looks to defend its championship.