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Clayton Kershaw to Retire After 2025, Leaves Legacy

9/20/2025

Summary

Kershaw Announces Retirement

Clayton Kershaw will retire after the 2025 season, ending an 18-year career with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
His final regular-season start at Dodger Stadium attracted a sellout crowd, who honored him with a standing ovation.
Kershaw boasts three Cy Young Awards, an MVP, and two World Series titles, with a career record of 222-96 and a 2.54 ERA.
Despite recent injuries, he achieved a 3.53 ERA in 20 starts this season.
Manager Dave Roberts commended Kershaw's loyalty and influence on the franchise, while Kershaw expressed gratitude for fan support.

Summary

Kershaw's Final Victory

Clayton Kershaw's final regular-season home start on September 19, 2025, resulted in a 6-3 victory over the San Francisco Giants, securing the Dodgers' 13th consecutive playoff berth.
He pitched 4 1/3 innings, allowing two runs and striking out six, receiving a standing ovation from 53,037 fans.
Shohei Ohtani hit his 52nd home run, a three-run shot, while Mookie Betts added a solo homer in the fifth inning.
The Dodgers now lead the all-time series against the Giants, tied at 1,290 wins each for the first time since 1896.
Kershaw's retirement announcement raises questions about his postseason role amid a strong Dodgers pitching rotation.

History

Historical Context

The Los Angeles Dodgers, established in 1958, won the World Series in 1988, marking a pivotal moment in baseball. Clayton Kershaw, who debuted in 2008, became a key player, achieving 3,000 strikeouts by 2025 and winning three Cy Young Awards. His retirement signals a significant transition for the team, reminiscent of past legends like Sandy Koufax, who also shaped the franchise's legacy.

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Kershaw Announces Retirement

Clayton Kershaw will retire after the 2025 season, ending an 18-year career with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
His final regular-season start at Dodger Stadium attracted a sellout crowd, who honored him with a standing ovation.
Kershaw boasts three Cy Young Awards, an MVP, and two World Series titles, with a career record of 222-96 and a 2.54 ERA.
Despite recent injuries, he achieved a 3.53 ERA in 20 starts this season.
Manager Dave Roberts commended Kershaw's loyalty and influence on the franchise, while Kershaw expressed gratitude for fan support.

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