News Summary Clayton Kershaw, a legendary pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, has announced his retirement, effective after the 2025 MLB season. With a majestic 18-year career defined by numerous accolades, including three Cy Young Awards, Kershaw’s legacy is firmly cemented in baseball history. The Dodgers celebrated his incredible contributions to the team, both on and off the field. Kershaw is set to make his final regular-season appearance at Dodger Stadium, facing the San Francisco Giants, closing out a remarkable chapter in sports. Los Angeles – Clayton Kershaw, a three-time National League Cy Young Award winner and a cornerstone of the Los Angeles Dodgers, has announced his retirement, which will take effect after the culmination of the 2025 MLB season. The Dodgers formally disclosed Kershaw’s decision on Thursday, marking an end to a remarkable 18-year career devoted entirely to the organization that drafted him. The left-handed pitcher’s final regular-season appearance is scheduled for Dodger Stadium, where he will face the San Francisco Giants. Kershaw’s legacy as one of baseball’s all-time greats is solidified by his impressive statistics and accolades, while the Dodgers’ owner Mark Walter emphasized Kershaw’s significant contributions to the franchise and his notable charitable activities off the field. Career Highlights Since being selected with the No. 7 pick in the 2006 MLB Draft, Kershaw has excelled as both a regular-season and postseason performer. He has led the National League in earned run average (ERA) on five occasions and has finished as the league’s leader in walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP) four times. Kershaw is recognized in Dodgers history for several impressive records including: First in strikeouts (3,039) First in Wins Above Replacement (WAR) among pitchers (77.6) Second in wins (222) Second in WHIP (1.02) Fourth in innings pitched (2,844.2) Sixth in ERA (2.54) Throughout his career, Kershaw also made an impact in the playoffs, achieving 32 starts and winning the prestigious NL MVP Award in 2014. He is notable for being the only pitcher since Bob Gibson in 1968 to receive this honor. Injuries and Current Season Performance Despite having to navigate through various injuries—including recent surgeries on his left toe and knee—Kershaw has continued to perform at a high level. As of this current season, he has recorded a 3.53 ERA, a 1.22 WHIP, and 71 strikeouts across 102 innings pitched in 20 starts, concluding the season with a 10-2 record. His career averages stand at an exceptional 2.54 ERA and 1.02 WHIP, placing him among the elite in MLB’s history. Notably, Kershaw is one of only 20 pitchers to reach the milestone of 3,000 strikeouts, and he is the fourth left-hander to achieve this feat. Legacy and Future Plans Kershaw expressed great appreciation for the unique experience of spending his entire career with one team, which is a rarity in modern baseball. Following his announcement of retirement, he communicated the news privately to teammates via a group text, demonstrating a close bond with his fellow players. His long tenure with the Dodgers places Kershaw among the longest-serving players with a single team in MLB history. As the Dodgers advance into the postseason, they are expected to consider Kershaw’s legacy and may potentially include him on their playoff roster. In reflecting on his career, Kershaw has shown gratitude not only for the accolades and statistics but also for his experiences and contributions to the Dodgers organization. Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic HERE Resources Additional Resources KTLA Google Search: Clayton Kershaw retirement Deadline Wikipedia: Clayton Kershaw Los Angeles Times Encyclopedia Britannica: Clayton Kershaw Sports Illustrated Google News: Clayton Kershaw NBC News
Author: STAFF HERE LOS ANGELES WRITER
LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana
