Clayton Kershaw will become a free agent after next season if he doesn't sign a new contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but he's "curious" about the open market.

"I think any player, that's the reward of baseball, to make it to that point," Kershaw said. "I think any player gets curious when you get close, for sure."

That doesn't mean Kershaw is destined to hit the open market. Dodgers ownership said last month that they were confident a multiyear agreement would be reached this winter.

Asked if he was hopeful the situation could be resolved soon, Kershaw replied, "I really don't know what to expect. I'm just kind of open-minded going into the off-season. Whatever happens, I'll be coming back next year anyway. I'm just trying to prepare for that."