Clayton Kershaw was not given a qualifying offer by the Los Angeles Dodgers Sunday ahead of the deadline.

MLB on Scoreboard Page tweeted out the story done by ESPN.

The Dodgers were eliminated from the post season by eventual World Series champions Atlanta Braves in the NLCS. That prompted the organization to start making decisions on its future. That includes the likes of longtime ace and future Hall of Fame pitcher, Clayton Kershaw.

Age and injuries have started to mount for the former ace. Kershaw had a relatively successful season, finishing 10-8 with a 3.55 ERA. Those numbers simply do not measure up to the level of excellence we have come to expect from him.

Most pitchers would happily take a mid 3's ERA with a WHIP just over one and 144 strikeouts in just 121 innings pitched. That is actually the worst season he has had since his rookie year in 2008. That's how dominant he has been throughout his career.

The Dodgers extended qualifying offers to 14 players ahead of the deadline Sunday night. That includes Corey Seager and Chris Taylor. If players extended an offer do not sign and eventually sign elsewhere, the Dodgers will be given draft pick compensation. Kershaw was not on the list of players given the offer.

So, for the first time in his illustrious career, Kershaw is a free agent.

Los Angeles is not necessarily out of the mix for Kershaw's services for the upcoming season. In fact, this allows the organization more time to figure out how Kershaw is rehabbing. He left his start October 1st after re-aggravating the inflammation in his forearm and elbow.