Clayton Kershaw, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ iconic lefty, has decided to retire after an incredible 18 seasons with the team.
The three-time Cy Young Award winner will wrap up his Hall of Fame-worthy career at the end of the 2025 season. This really does feel like the end of an era for the Dodgers and for Major League Baseball.
Kershaw’s retirement announcement made waves across the baseball world. His final games are closing the book on one of the most dominant pitching careers of our time, packed with World Series glory and awards that put him among the game’s all-time greats.
1) Kershaw announces retirement after 18 seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers
Kershaw officially announced his retirement from baseball this week. The Dodgers left-hander will end his career after this season, closing out an 18-year run with the franchise.
The news broke on Thursday when the team shared it with the world. Kershaw spent every moment of his big league career in Dodger blue.
He was the seventh overall pick in the 2006 draft. At just 20, he made his MLB debut in 2008.
Kershaw quickly became one of the most dominant pitchers anyone had seen. He picked up three Cy Young Awards along the way.
The guy made 11 All-Star teams, too. His consistency made him the backbone of the Dodgers organization for nearly two decades.
Kershaw said he feels at peace with his decision. At 37, he thinks the timing is right to step away.
He’d been thinking about retirement heading into 2025. Missing much of 2024 with injuries definitely factored into his decision.
But he wanted to finish on his own terms. He signed a contract before this season just to get one last ride with the team.
He told everyone in spring training that he wanted to retire as a Dodger. Now, that’s exactly how it’s going down.
Kershaw’s 18 seasons with one team put him in rare company. His loyalty to the Dodgers never wavered.
He never played for anyone else, which you just don’t see much anymore.
With his announcement, a chapter closes for Dodgers baseball. Kershaw’s been the face of the franchise for over ten years.
Announcing now lets fans give him a proper sendoff in these last games. It also gives the team time to set up some well-deserved tributes.
Most folks see Kershaw as one of the best pitchers of his generation. His stats back that up, no question.
He won his Cy Youngs in 2011, 2013, and 2014. He even snagged the NL MVP in 2014—pretty wild for a pitcher.
Kershaw’s ERA and strikeout numbers are up there with the best in Dodgers history. He holds a bunch of team records that might last a long time.
Now we finally have answers about his future. Injuries had sparked plenty of speculation about how long he’d keep going.
He gets to finish healthy and on his own terms. That seems to fit his thoughtful, family-first approach.
The Dodgers have always backed Kershaw, including now. Team management respected his wish to control his exit.
Kershaw’s announcement means his final season gets the attention it deserves. Fans and teammates can savor every remaining moment, knowing they’re seeing something special.
He chose to retire while he could still contribute, not after a big decline. That’s classic Kershaw—driven and honest.
Sticking with one franchise for 18 years is almost unheard of now. It’s a testament to his consistency and the relationship he built with the club.
The Dodgers will feel his absence in the rotation, no doubt. Someone else will have to step up, but replacing his presence? That’s another story.
Still, his legacy is set in stone. Kershaw’s impact on Dodgers baseball goes way beyond just numbers.
The team can start planning for the future now that the situation is clear. It’s a chance to look ahead while appreciating what Kershaw’s given them.
His retirement caps off one of the most successful pitcher-team partnerships ever. That mutual loyalty? It’s something other clubs can only hope for.
Announcing late in the season shows he was thinking about the team’s playoff push. He didn’t want his news to distract from the games that matter most.
Eighteen seasons as a big-league pitcher is just incredible. The grind—physically and mentally—makes that kind of longevity almost unbelievable.
Now the story’s wrapping up for one of the Dodgers’ all-time greats. Fans and the organization can finally just celebrate all he’s accomplished.
2) Final home start marks emotional farewell for Dodgers legend
Clayton Kershaw took the mound at Dodger Stadium for his last regular-season home start on Friday, September 19, 2025.
The three-time Cy Young Award winner had already announced his retirement plans earlier that week.
The energy at Dodger Stadium was off the charts from the first pitch. Fans knew they were part of something historic—watching one of baseball’s best say goodbye at home.
Kershaw tossed 4.1 innings against the Giants in a 6-3 win over their rivals. He struck out six along the way.
His final pitch at home? Unforgettable. He struck out his last batter to end his night, and the place erupted.
Manager Dave Roberts pulled him with one out in the fifth. That move let Kershaw soak in a real farewell from the home crowd.
Kershaw’s walk off the mound was classic. He tipped his cap, took a deep breath, and tried to take it all in.
The ovation just kept going. Fans stood, cheered, clapped, and let him know how much he meant to them.
Former teammates showed up to see his last home start. That made the night even heavier with emotion.
Kershaw looked genuinely moved. He kept acknowledging the crowd as he headed to the dugout.
He’d spent his whole career—17 years—with the Dodgers. Since debuting in 2008, he’s been the heart of the team.
Three Cy Youngs, an MVP, and a huge role in the 2020 World Series title—Kershaw’s list of accomplishments is long.
The farewell really put his impact on the franchise in the spotlight. He stands right up there with Dodgers legends like Sandy Koufax.
He shared a heartfelt message with fans after the game, thanking them for sticking with him all these years.
Kershaw talked about what it meant to play his entire career in LA. He made it clear how much representing the Dodgers and their fans mattered to him.
His final home start happened the same night the Dodgers clinched a playoff spot. That timing made the night even sweeter.
It was a perfect blend of team success and individual celebration. You could feel it in the air—something special was happening.
Kershaw might pitch at Dodger Stadium again in the playoffs. Still, Friday was his last regular-season home start, and that distinction meant a lot.
It signaled the close of an era. For years, Kershaw’s home games were a constant for Dodgers fans.
His stats at Dodger Stadium? Just ridiculous. He dominated on that mound, plain and simple.
Even in all the emotion, Kershaw kept his composure. You could tell the moment hit him hard, but he handled it like a pro.
Teammates crowded around him in the dugout after he came out. They congratulated him and shared a few emotional moments.
The crowd didn’t sit down for a long time after Kershaw left the field. Their appreciation was loud and clear.
The night was everything you’d want from a legend’s farewell. Great pitching, real emotion, and a crowd that just wouldn’t let go.
Kershaw’s final home start will go down as one of the most unforgettable nights in Dodger Stadium history.
The mix of his performance and the crowd’s love created something special. It was the perfect tribute for one of baseball’s very best.
Kershaw’s impact? It goes way beyond numbers and trophies. He stood for consistency, loyalty, and excellence in LA year after year.
This last home start was the beginning of the end for his remarkable career. Playoff games might still come, but his regular-season curtain call at Dodger Stadium is in the books.
Fans walked out knowing they’d witnessed something rare. A legend got the sendoff he truly earned.
3) Three-time Cy Young winner ends career with two World Series titles
Clayton Kershaw shaped his legacy around two pillars: individual dominance and team success. His awards prove he was a force on the mound, but his clutch performances in big moments truly set him apart.
Kershaw won three Cy Young Awards over his 18-year career. That honor goes to the best pitcher in each league every year—winning it more than once? That’s rare air.
The lefty snagged his first Cy Young in 2011. That same year, he pulled off the pitching triple crown by leading the National League in wins, strikeouts, and ERA.
He grabbed a second Cy Young in 2013, then a third in 2014. That 2014 season? He also took home the National League MVP, joining a pretty exclusive club of pitchers to do so.
Kershaw’s career ERA of 2.54 is the lowest by a starter since 1920. Keeping runs off the board like that, year after year, is practically unheard of in the modern era.
Kershaw helped the Dodgers snap a 32-year championship drought in 2020. That title was a long time coming for the franchise and for him personally.
The Dodgers captured another championship with Kershaw in 2024. Those two titles, both near the end of his career, really locked in his legacy.
Kershaw made 11 All-Star appearances—a testament to his consistency. Only the game’s best get picked that often.
He also picked up a Gold Glove for his fielding. That award goes to the best defender at each spot, so he wasn’t just a pitcher—he was a complete ballplayer.
It’s tough to find another pitcher with three Cy Youngs and multiple World Series rings, all with one team. Kershaw’s retirement? Yeah, it’s a big deal.
He spent his entire 18-year career with the Los Angeles Dodgers. In an era where stars jump teams, that kind of loyalty stands out.
Fans and fellow players respected his steady excellence. Even as age and injuries crept in, he kept finding ways to help his team win.
He announced his retirement near the end of the 2025 season. The Dodgers made it official on September 18th, giving everyone a chance to savor his final games.
Most experts agree Kershaw’s headed to the Hall of Fame as soon as he’s eligible. His stats, longevity, and those big awards make a pretty open-and-shut case.
Young pitchers studied his mechanics and approach. Coaches still use Kershaw as a blueprint for how to do things right on the mound.
His retirement closes a major chapter for the Dodgers. Replacing a player with that much talent and loyalty? That’s a tall order.
The baseball world puts Kershaw among the all-time great lefties. Winning three Cy Youngs and two World Series rings says plenty about his place in history.
Kershaw’s last season gave fans one more chance to watch a legend. Whether the Dodgers go deep in the playoffs or not, his legacy is set—three Cy Youngs and two championships tell the story.
Clayton Kershaw’s Legacy and Impact
Clayton Kershaw spent 18 seasons building a dominant career with the Dodgers. His personal accolades and team accomplishments have shaped the franchise’s identity for nearly twenty years.
Career Achievements
Kershaw’s trophy shelf is packed. He took home three Cy Young Awards as the National League’s top pitcher. That 2014 MVP? Just the cherry on top.
During his prime, the lefty made eight All-Star teams. He led the league in ERA several times, and his strikeout numbers always ranked near the top.
Key Career Numbers:
- 3 Cy Young Awards
- 1 MVP Award
- 8 All-Star appearances
- 2.48 career ERA
- 2,807 career strikeouts
Kershaw’s 2020 World Series title finally completed his resume. That championship erased years of postseason frustration and put him in the conversation with the game’s best ever.
Influence on the Los Angeles Dodgers
Kershaw became the Dodgers’ face for nearly two decades. He personified the team during their most successful stretch in recent memory.
He anchored the rotation through countless playoff runs. His presence even lured other stars to L.A. Young pitchers watched and learned from his routines and work ethic.
Off the field, Kershaw gave back to the community. He and his family built charitable foundations in Los Angeles, deepening their bond with the city and its fans.
His status as a Dodgers legend puts him alongside the franchise’s greatest. When they retire his jersey, it’ll be a celebration of nearly twenty years of excellence. Every future Dodgers pitcher will be compared to his standard—fair or not.
Reactions to Clayton Kershaw’s Retirement
The baseball world responded with genuine respect when Kershaw announced his plans to retire. Players and folks across MLB shared their thoughts after the Dodgers ace made it official.
Responses from Teammates and Coaches
Dodgers slugger Max Muncy could hardly believe it when he heard the news. Even those closest to Kershaw seemed caught off guard.
Players around the league raved about Kershaw’s unique talent. One MLB player pointed out that few pitchers can get hitters out at that level for so long, no matter what their “stuff” looks like. Sticking with one team for 18 years while building a Hall of Fame resume? That’s almost unheard of.
Younger players talked about Kershaw’s willingness to mentor. Wrobleski mentioned how approachable Kershaw was and how much those conversations meant. That humility stuck with a lot of people.
Kershaw thanked many in the Dodgers clubhouse after sharing his retirement decision. You could tell it meant a lot to him.
Media and Fan Reflections
Analysts didn’t hesitate to call Kershaw the face of the Dodgers. No one has defined the team more as they chase another golden era.
Fans everywhere had strong reactions to the news. Dodgers supporters in particular lit up social media and message boards with their thoughts.
Media stories focused on Kershaw’s character. Reporters kept coming back to the idea that he always prioritized team success over personal glory. That attitude shaped how people remember him.
Kershaw got emotional talking about retirement. You could see just how much the game—and the journey—meant to him.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kershaw’s retirement has sparked a flood of questions from fans. People want to know about his biggest moments, his records, and what his exit means for the Dodgers and all of baseball.
What were the defining moments of Clayton Kershaw’s career?
Kershaw’s 2014 no-hitter against the Rockies stands out. He struck out 15 that night—pure dominance.
His 2011 MVP season was huge. He became just the 10th pitcher to win both Cy Young and MVP in the same year.
The 2020 World Series title was a career-defining moment. After years of postseason heartbreak, he finally delivered when it mattered most and helped the Dodgers end their long drought.
Which accomplishments set Clayton Kershaw apart during his MLB tenure?
Kershaw won three Cy Young Awards—2011, 2013, and 2014. Those trophies marked him as the league’s best.
He made 11 All-Star teams over 18 seasons. That level of recognition, year after year, is pretty wild.
Kershaw led the league in ERA five times. Consistently keeping runs off the board? That separated him from the pack.
How many Cy Young Awards did Clayton Kershaw win before retiring?
Kershaw took home three Cy Young Awards—2011, 2013, and 2014. Each season, he was simply the best pitcher in the National League.
His 2011 Cy Young came alongside the MVP. That year, he posted a 2.28 ERA and struck out 248. Not bad, right?
The back-to-back wins in 2013 and 2014 cemented his reputation. Sub-2.00 ERAs in both seasons? That’s next-level pitching.
What was the impact of Clayton Kershaw on the Los Angeles Dodgers?
Kershaw spent all 18 seasons with the Dodgers. In today’s game, sticking with one team that long is almost unheard of.
He helped the Dodgers win championships in 2020 and 2024. Those titles erased decades of frustration and sealed his place in franchise history.
Kershaw defined the Dodgers’ golden era more than anyone else. His impact stretched well beyond the field, lifting the team’s profile everywhere.
What prompted Clayton Kershaw’s decision to retire from professional baseball?
Kershaw considered retirement before the 2025 season. In the end, he chose to return for one last year because he wanted to finish things on his own terms with the Dodgers.
He said he felt “at peace” with the decision, which, honestly, seems rare for athletes at his level. He believed the timing just made sense after checking off the goals he’d set for himself.
Kershaw really wanted to retire as a Dodger. That dream played a big part in when he decided to step away.
He managed to do what few ever do—finish his career with the same team he started with. Not everyone gets to say that.
How has Clayton Kershaw’s retirement affected the pitching landscape in MLB?
Kershaw’s departure takes away one of the last truly dominant left-handed starters. Suddenly, there’s this noticeable gap in elite southpaw pitching talent across the league.
Young pitchers lose a role model who was famous for his work ethic. Honestly, Kershaw’s standards for preparation and consistency shaped an entire generation.
His Hall of Fame credentials are widely recognized, and he’s probably a first-ballot lock. That kind of recognition just cements his legacy among baseball’s greatest pitchers.
