Clayton Kershaw declines $10 million option, becomes free agent
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SAN ANTONIO — Three-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw declined his $10 million player option with the Los Angeles Dodgers, electing to become a free agent.
The MLB Players Association listed Kershaw as a free agent in a statement released Monday. The left-hander still is expected to re-sign with the Dodgers, his only big-league team during his 17-year career.
The 36-year-old was hurt for much of last season, finishing with a 2-2 record and a 4.50 ERA over seven starts.
The Dodgers exercised a $5 million option for infielder Miguel Rojas and a $3.5 million option for catcher Austin Barnes. Barnes is the second-longest tenured Dodgers player behind Kershaw, playing 10 seasons.
The 35-year-old Rojas just finished one of the best seasons of his 11-year career, batting .283 with six homers and 36 RBIs. Barnes hit .264 with one homer and 11 RBIs.
Los Angeles also extended a $21.05 million qualifying offer to slugger Teoscar Hernandez, who hit a career-high 33 homers. Players have until 4 p.m. on Nov. 19 to accept.
If Hernandez does, he will be under contract with the Dodgers for another season. If he declines and signs elsewhere, his new team must forfeit at least one draft pick, and Los Angeles will receive at least one draft pick as compensation.