Topline:
Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw says he'll retire after the 2025 season.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 18, 2025
Why it matters: Kershaw has been with the Dodgers his entire 18-year career and is considered one of the best pitchers to ever wear Dodger Blue. His name will be mentioned in the same breath as Dodger greats Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale — both of whom are in the Hall of Fame. And after returning from injury this past offseason, he's put together a signature swan song year with a 10-2 record through 20 starts. In July, he became only the 20th pitcher in MLB history to reach the 3,000 strikeout mark.
Why now: We'll no doubt hear more from Kershaw in the coming days about why, but age and injuries taking a toll on his body may be a contributing factor. He was forced to cut his season short in 2024 because of a toe injury and missed the Dodgers' postseason run to a World Series title. He began 2025 on the injured list while recovering from offseason surgery he had to address the toe injury and others.
The backstory: Kershaw made his Major League debut on May 25, 2008, at age 20 and showed signs of his future dominance almost right away, striking out seven hitters in his first game. You can check it out (and get a quick dose of Vin Scully at his best) here:
What's next: Kershaw will start his final regular season game on Friday against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium.
After that? Who could say. Coaching? Maybe. Cooperstown? Almost certainly.
It's not a stretch to say that baseball players, coaches, fans and writers largely agree that Kershaw belongs in the Hall of Fame one day. His resume includes two World Series wins, three National League Cy Young Awards, an MVP in 2014, 11 All-Star Game selections and over 200 wins and 3,000 strikeouts.
Fun fact: Kershaw grew up with Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford in Dallas, where the two attended Highland Park High School and played multiple youth sports together.