Net Worth Ranker
What Is Clayton Kershaw’s Net Worth?
Clayton Kershaw, a celebrated American professional baseball pitcher, has accumulated a net worth of $110 million. This substantial wealth is primarily a result of his successful career in Major League Baseball (MLB), endorsements, and strategic investments.
Clayton Kershaw’s Contract Details and Career Earnings
Throughout his MLB career, Clayton Kershaw has secured lucrative contracts reflecting his value as one of the league’s premier pitchers. In 2012, he signed a two-year deal worth $19 million, demonstrating his rising status. This was followed by a seven-year contract extension in 2013, valued at $215 million, solidifying his position as a top-tier player in the league. On November 2, 2018, Kershaw inked a three-year extension with the Dodgers for $93 million. This deal augmented the existing two years and $65 million remaining from his prior seven-year contract signed in 2014, effectively adding one year and $28 million to his compensation.
Clayton Kershaw’s on-field performance translated into significant earnings. Between June 2017 and June 2018, his combined salary and endorsements amounted to $35 million. By the end of the 2022 season, his cumulative earnings from salary alone totaled approximately $275 million. Additionally, endorsement deals have likely contributed an estimated $50 million to his total income, showcasing his marketability and appeal beyond the baseball diamond.
Early Life and Baseball Beginnings
Born on March 19, 1988, in Dallas, Texas, Clayton Kershaw’s early life laid the foundation for his future baseball success. His parents, Marianne and Christopher, divorced when he was ten, after which he was raised by his mother. During his time at Highland Park High School, Kershaw excelled in both baseball and varsity football. His prowess in baseball quickly became evident, highlighted by a remarkable 13-0 record and a minuscule 0.77 ERA in 2006. This included a perfect game performance, augmented by a grand slam, which significantly boosted his profile as a top prospect. These achievements set the stage for his entry into professional baseball.
In the 2006 MLB draft, Kershaw was selected as the seventh overall pick by the Los Angeles Dodgers, marking the beginning of his professional journey. He started with the rookie-level Gulf Coast League Dodgers, where he recorded a 2-0 record and a 1.95 ERA. His fastball, reaching speeds of up to 96 mph, earned him recognition as the top prospect in the GCL. The following season saw him progress to the Great Lake Loons, followed by a stint with the Double-A Jacksonville Suns of the Southern League, each step preparing him for the major leagues.
MLB Career with the Los Angeles Dodgers (2008-2022)
Clayton Kershaw’s career with the Los Angeles Dodgers began in the spring of 2008, when he was added to the active roster. At 20 years old, he was the youngest player in MLB at the time. His rookie season concluded with a 5-5 record and a 4.26 ERA across 22 games. The subsequent season saw Kershaw make his playoff debut in the NLDS, contributing to the Dodgers’ victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. However, the team’s journey ended in the NLCS against the Philadelphia Phillies.
In 2010, Kershaw achieved a career milestone by pitching his first complete game in a win against the San Francisco Giants. He ended the season with a 13-10 record and a 2.91 ERA. The year 2011 was particularly notable for Kershaw, as he pitched three complete games and secured the NL pitching Triple Crown. Additionally, he won the Gold Glove Award and his first Cy Young Award, marking a significant turning point in his career.
Kershaw continued his stellar performance in 2012, leading the league with a 2.53 ERA and finishing as a runner-up for the Cy Young Award. He began the 2013 season by pitching a complete game on opening day against the Giants. In April, he reached his 1,000th career strikeout. The season ended with a league-best 1.83 ERA, earning him his second Cy Young Award. In 2014, Kershaw further cemented his reputation, achieving a 1.77 ERA and winning his third Cy Young Award, along with being named NL MVP. The following season, he became the 11th player in MLB history to record 300 strikeouts in a single season, finishing third in Cy Young voting.
The 2016 season was marred by injuries for Kershaw. Despite these challenges, he returned to play a role in the Dodgers’ NLDS victory over the Washington Nationals. However, the team was eventually defeated by the Chicago Cubs in the NLCS. In 2017, Kershaw recorded his 2,000th career strikeout, contributing to the Dodgers’ wins in both the NLDS and NLCS. The team faced the Houston Astros in the World Series, where they lost in seven games. The Dodgers returned to the World Series in 2018, but were defeated by the Boston Red Sox.
In 2019, the Dodgers reached the NLDS, where they lost to the Nationals. The team rebounded in 2020, defeating the San Diego Padres in the NLDS and the Atlanta Braves in the NLCS. They then triumphed over the Tampa Bay Rays in the World Series, securing Kershaw’s first World Series championship title. Following this victory, Kershaw faced injury challenges in 2021, which sidelined him from the postseason. However, he made a comeback in 2022, setting a new franchise strikeout record with 2,697.
Personal Life and Humanitarian Endeavors
In late 2010, Clayton Kershaw married his longtime girlfriend, Ellen Melson. Together, they have four children and maintain residences in Los Angeles, California, and University Park, Texas. Their family life is complemented by a strong commitment to philanthropy and community service. Kershaw’s dedication to humanitarian work has earned him the Roberto Clemente and Branch Rickey Awards, underscoring his positive impact beyond the baseball field.
Clayton Kershaw and his wife have actively engaged in numerous humanitarian projects. In 2011, they visited Zambia to establish an orphanage in Lusaka called Hope’s Home. Kershaw contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to the project and raised additional funds through their book, “Arise.” Through his Kershaw Challenge campaign, he has raised funds for organizations such as Arise Africa, CURE International, Mercy Street, and I Am Second, demonstrating his commitment to supporting various causes and communities in need. Clayton Kershaw’s net worth is not only a reflection of his baseball success, but also his dedication to making a positive impact on the world.
Real Estate Investments
In November 2014, shortly after signing a $215 million contract extension with the Dodgers, Clayton and Ellen Kershaw purchased a mansion in Studio City, California, for $4 million. While the specific address remains private, this real estate investment reflects his financial acumen and commitment to securing assets outside of his baseball career. The property serves as one of their primary residences, providing a base in Los Angeles during the baseball season. This strategic investment contributes to Clayton Kershaw’s net worth and financial stability.
