The Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly "optimistic" about reaching a contract agreement with starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw.
According to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, a source said both sides "really want" a deal to happen.
Kershaw can either opt in to the final two years of his contract or opt out and become a free agent. Rosenthal noted that while talks between the Dodgers and Kershaw can continue even if he opts out by Friday's 4 p.m. ET deadline, other teams would then have an opportunity to sign him.
This article will be updated to provide more information on this story as it becomes available.