Back in Spring Training, Clayton Kershaw signed a deal to return for his 18th season, reaffirming his desire to finish his career as a Dodger. On Thursday, the franchise legend officially announced that he will retire at the end of the 2025 season.
Kershaw, 37, has been one of the defining pitchers of his generation. Over 18 seasons, he has compiled 222 wins, a 2.54 ERA, three National League Cy Young Awards, the 2014 NL MVP, 11 All-Star selections, and two World Series championships. He also earned the Roberto Clemente Award in 2012. A future Hall of Famer, he will be remembered as one of the greatest left-handers in baseball history.
His statistical dominance underscores his greatness. His 2.54 ERA is the second-lowest among pitchers with at least 1,500 innings in the live-ball era (since 1920). His .698 winning percentage is the highest of any pitcher with 200 or more victories since 1900. Opponents have managed just a .590 OPS against him — the lowest in more than 70 years among pitchers with at least 2,500 innings, placing him ahead of Nolan Ryan, Pedro Martínez, and Bob Gibson.
Dodger Stadium, the stage for much of Kershaw’s career, fittingly hosted his final regular-season start against the rival San Francisco Giants — the team he has faced more than any other, with 62 career starts and a 2.08 ERA. In 228 career starts at Dodger Stadium, Kershaw posted a 2.26 ERA, the third-lowest by a pitcher in a single ballpark in the live-ball era (minimum 100 starts), behind only Jacob deGrom (2.14 at Citi Field) and Don Drysdale (2.19 at Dodger Stadium).
Kershaw’s 2025 season has been another testament to his resilience. After undergoing offseason knee and toe surgeries, he rejoined the rotation in mid-May and immediately stabilized a pitching staff ravaged by injuries. On July 2, he became just the 20th pitcher in MLB history to record 3,000 strikeouts. In August, he turned back the clock, winning all five of his starts while posting a 1.88 ERA.
Kershaw’s story isn’t finished yet. The Dodgers are headed to the postseason, and manager Dave Roberts believes the veteran left-hander has earned his place on the October roster.
When his career is officially over, Clayton Kershaw will stand alongside the legends of the game as one of the greatest pitchers ever to take the mound.
