"Manny Machado gets me pretty good" - When Clayton Kershaw named Padres superstar as one of the toughest sluggers to face

In June 2023, Clayton Kershaw met up with his Los Angeles Dodgers teammate Mookie Betts during an episode of the outfielder's show, "On Base." The two are more than familiar with each other, being teammates for the last five years.

The two talked about everything from which MLB star could win a karaoke contest to which slugger has given Kershaw the most trouble. His answer is likely shared by multiple pitchers throughout the sport.

Kershaw considered Nolan Arenado, Paul Goldschmidt and Manny Machado as the three hitters who have given him the most trouble. As a division rival, Kershaw has certainly faced Machado a bunch.

"Manny gets me pretty good. Like most guys have strengths and weaknesses. You can't just throw it to the weakness every time, but in big spots, there's some safe zones where you can go. Manny, when he wants to, can hit whatever, like, just depending on what he is looking for," said Kershaw.

Kershaw just does not feel comfortable when Machado steps up to the plate. During his career, Machado has gone 10-for-36 with two home runs, six runs batted in and a walk. Kershaw has been able to sit him down with seven strikeouts.

"You kind of got to think along with him and he's pretty good at that. He's got good baseball feel and playing with him for a couple months here in 2018, I got to see it. Now, having to face him so much with the Padres, you really see it," said Kershaw.

What's in store for Clayton Kershaw in 2025?

Los Angeles Dodgers - Clayton Kershaw (Photo via IMAGN)

After the 2024 season came to a close, Clayton Kershaw declined his 2025 option with the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, he does plan on returning to the organization for the 2025 season.

Kershaw is not even considering other offers at this point. According to MLB insider Jon Moroosi, he intends to be a Dodger for life.

For that to happen, the two sides will have to come to terms on a new contract, but that is not all. Kershaw also has to get healthy this offseason after undergoing two surgeries in November.

He had surgery to repair the meniscus in his left knee and an operation on his foot to address a bone spur, arthritis, and a ruptured plantar plate. According to Morosi, Kershaw is doing everything in his power to be healthy for the upcoming season.