Dodgers, Clayton Kershaw have mutual interest in pact, GM says

Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers share “a mutual interest” in a long-term contract extension, General Manager Ned Colletti said Thursday.

Colletti wouldn’t say whether the club has started negotiating a new deal with Kershaw’s representatives and made clear he wants details of any talks to remain private.

“This is not going to be a daily discussion point for us publicly,” Colletti said. “But there is a mutual interest.”

Earlier in the day, USA Today reported that Felix Hernandez agreed to a seven-year, $175-million deal with the Seattle Mariners. The news led to speculation that Kershaw, who is two years younger than Hernandez, could be in line for a $200-million deal. Even before Hernandez agreed to what will be the richest contract ever signed by a pitcher, there was talk in the industry that Kershaw could be the first pitcher to earn $30 million a year.

Kershaw, who is under contract for $11 million this year, will be eligible for free agency after the 2014 season.

When Kershaw was asked about a potential extension two weeks ago, he said, “We’ll see. I don’t have any expectations.”

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