Kershaw To Retire At The End of the Season
Clayton Kershaw announced he will retire at the end of this season, closing out an 18-year career spent entirely with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Dodgers confirmed his decision Thursday, noting that Friday’s start against the San Francisco Giants will be his final regular-season home appearance. Kershaw is expected to address the media later in the day.
“On behalf of the Dodgers, I congratulate Clayton on a fabulous career and thank him for the many moments he gave to Dodger fans and baseball fans everywhere, as well as for his profound charitable endeavors,” Dodgers owner Mark Walter said in a statement. “His is a truly legendary career, one that we know will lead to his induction in the Baseball Hall of Fame.”
Kershaw, 37, has built one of the greatest résumés in baseball history. A three-time National League Cy Young Award winner, 2014 NL MVP, and 11-time All-Star, he has compiled 222 victories, a 2.54 ERA, and earlier this season became the 20th pitcher in MLB history to record 3,000 strikeouts. His 18 seasons in Dodger blue tie Bill Russell and Zack Wheat for the most in franchise history, while his win total trails only Don Sutton’s.
Career Highlights
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20th pitcher all-time with 3,000 strikeouts
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One of 11 pitchers to win three or more Cy Young Awards
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Only pitcher ever to lead MLB in ERA four consecutive years (2011–14)
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Second-lowest ERA (2.54) of the live-ball era among pitchers with 1,500+ innings
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.698 career winning percentage (222–96), best all-time among pitchers with 300+ starts
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11-time All-Star
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2014 NL MVP
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Two-time World Series champion (2020, 2024)
After undergoing offseason knee and toe surgeries, Kershaw rejoined the Dodgers in May and provided stability to an injury-depleted rotation. In August, he dominated again, going 5-0 with a 1.88 ERA. For the season, he is 10-2 with a 3.53 ERA across 20 starts, despite throwing with diminished velocity.
With the postseason looming and the Dodgers carrying six capable starters, Kershaw’s role beyond Friday remains uncertain.
“I feel there’s a place for him on our postseason roster,” manager Dave Roberts said earlier this week. “I don’t know what role, but the bottom line is, I trust him. And for me, the postseason is about players you trust.”
