All-Time Legend Clayton Kershaw Announces Retirement After Stellar Career

In an emotional press conference filled with his family, teammates, and coaches, Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw announced on Thursday that the 2025 season will be his last. The all-but-certain Hall of Famer, who returned for his 18th season with a desire to retire on his own terms and with the only team he’s ever known, is set to make his final regular-season start at Dodger Stadium on Friday night.

"I'm going to call it. I'm going to retire," Kershaw said, visibly moved. "We talked about it a lot. Ellen and I talked about it a lot. The kiddos talked about it a lot. I'm at peace with it. I think it's the right time."

Kershaw will go down as one of the greatest pitchers of his generation, a sentiment echoed by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who called him "the greatest pitcher in this generation." His list of accomplishments is remarkable: two World Series titles, three Cy Young Awards, the 2014 NL MVP, and the 2012 Roberto Clemente Award. By the numbers, his career 2.54 ERA is the best in the Live-Ball Era (since 1920), and his 154 ERA+ is tied with Pedro Martinez for fourth-best all-time.

This year, Kershaw became just the 20th pitcher in MLB history—and only the fourth left-hander—to reach the 3,000-strikeout milestone. His excellence earned him an 11th All-Star selection, this time as the Commissioner's "Legend Pick."

Despite his individual accolades, Kershaw's focus remains on what truly matters to him. When asked what he was most proud of, he became emotional while looking at his teammates in the room. "I think we all play this game for the respect of our teammates," he said. "So having these guys here is pretty special. I’m proud of that.”

The veteran left-hander has been a vital part of the Dodgers' success this season, going 10-2 with a 3.53 ERA. As the team prepares for another postseason run, Roberts said Kershaw has earned a spot on the roster. For Kershaw, the retirement announcement is a chance to move on to his next chapter: spending more time with his wife and five children.

"I’m excited to not miss another game," he said, "and watch all the baseball, volleyball, dance, soccer and other sports that they play."

Kershaw's final regular-season start in front of the Dodgers faithful will be an emotional one, but true to form, he is approaching it with a competitor's mindset, focusing on getting a win for the team.