The Dodgers are reportedly optimistic that they will reach a contract extension with ace Clayton Kershaw on Friday, according to reports by MLB Network insiders Joel Sherman and Ken Rosenthal. According to Sherman, there is a strong belief that Kershaw will not opt out of his current contract by the 4 p.m. ET/1 PT deadline and he will remain with Los Angeles.
Kershaw and the Dodgers previously agreed to extend the deadline on his decision regarding the final two years and $65 million of his contract to Friday afternoon. There was speculation following the announcement that the extension signaled ongoing extension talks between the sides, and according to Rosenthal, "both sides really want it to happen.