Three-time NL Cy Young Award winner's future up in the air following major announcement

Kershaw re-signed with Los Angeles on a one-year, $20 million contract that included a $5 million signing bonus in December. The southpaw was then hoping to pitch for Team USA at the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC) but couldn't take part due to due to an issue with his insurance policy for the showcase.

The oft-injured Kershaw reported to Dodgers camp in February "completely healthy," but his lengthy history of ailments may have been what caused the problem. Per a report by Fabian Ardaya and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, insurance coverage is required for players to receive clearance in the WBC, and "securing that coverage becomes more difficult with players who have extensive injury histories."

The 10-time All-Star opened the regular season in the middle of the team's starting rotation but ended up missing the entire month of July with his shoulder issue. This past campaign was the eighth straight season in which Kershaw had a stint on the injured list.

The future Hall of Famer's numbers in 2023 were as good as ever though, finishing 13-5 with a 2.46 ERA and 1.06 WHIP. His playoff demons returned in Game 1 of the NLDS against the Arizona Diamondbacks, however. Whether his struggles in the series-opener had to do with his hurt shoulder, well-chronicled postseason problems or both, the outing ended up being the worst of his 16-year career.

Kershaw finished the game allowing six runs (all earned), including a home run, while walking one and recording no strikeouts. He got only one out and was removed from his start in the top of the first.

The 2014 NL MVP is one of the best starting pitchers of all time and has shown that he's still capable of greatness, but at 35 years old and with almost 3,000 innings on his left arm, MLB fans may have seen the last of Kershaw.