Clayton Kershaw Retirement: Dodgers Star Announces 2025 as Final MLB Season

Clayton Kershaw Announces Retirement: Dodgers Legend to Hang Up Cleats After 2025 Season

Los Angeles, CA – September 18, 2025 – In a heartfelt press conference that left Dodger Stadium buzzing with emotion, Clayton Kershaw, the iconic left-handed pitcher and cornerstone of the Los Angeles Dodgers for nearly two decades, officially announced his retirement at the end of the 2025 MLB season. The 37-year-old future Hall of Famer, who has redefined excellence on the mound, shared the news surrounded by family, teammates, and a sea of blue-clad supporters, marking the close of an era for one of baseball's most decorated arms.
Kershaw's decision comes as no surprise to those who've followed his storied career, but the finality of it stirred tears and applause in equal measure. "This game has given me everything," Kershaw said, his voice cracking as he addressed the room. "From the respect of my teammates to the love of Dodger fans—it's been a dream. But it's time to step away and let the next generation take the hill." He emphasized his unwavering loyalty to the Dodgers, the only team he's ever known, ensuring he'll retire in the uniform that means the most to him.

A Career of Unparalleled Dominance

Drafted seventh overall by the Dodgers in 2006, Kershaw burst onto the scene in 2008 with a rookie season that hinted at greatness. What followed was a masterclass in pitching artistry: three National League Cy Young Awards (2011, 2013, 2014), a league MVP in 2014, and 10 All-Star selections. His career stats read like a highlight reel—222 wins against just 96 losses, a 2.48 ERA, and a franchise-record 3,039 strikeouts, including his milestone 3,000th K earlier this season against the San Francisco Giants.
Kershaw's postseason legacy, once a point of scrutiny, transformed into triumph. He anchored the Dodgers' World Series victories in 2020 (amid a shortened pandemic season) and 2024, delivering clutch performances that silenced doubters. Even in 2025, battling back from offseason surgeries on his left knee and toe, Kershaw has posted a stellar 10-2 record with a 3.53 ERA over 21 starts, proving his slider and curveball remain as devastating as ever—despite a fastball that now tops out around 89 mph.
Off the field, Kershaw's impact is just as profound. Through the Kershaw's Challenge foundation, co-founded with his wife Ellen, he's raised millions for clean water initiatives in Zambia and supported Los Angeles-area nonprofits. His 2012 Roberto Clemente Award underscores a career not just of wins, but of unwavering character.

Teammates and Tributes Pour In

The Dodgers organization wasted no time honoring their ace. Owner Mark Walter released a statement praising Kershaw's "legendary career" and predicting a swift induction into Cooperstown. Teammate Freddie Freeman, who learned of the news a month ago, called Kershaw "the heart of this team," while manager Dave Roberts lauded his evolution from power pitcher to precision craftsman.
Fans, too, are gearing up for a farewell tour. Kershaw's final regular-season home start comes tonight against the Giants—a poetic matchup given their NL West rivalry. With the Dodgers locked into the playoffs, postseason magic could extend his farewell, potentially culminating in a third ring.
As Kershaw prepares to trade his glove for family time—raising four children with Ellen—the baseball world reflects on a pitcher who embodied resilience, reinvention, and Dodger blue. "I'm proudest of the relationships," he reflected. "That's what lasts."
Clayton Kershaw's retirement isn't an end; it's the bow on a legacy that will echo through generations. Thank you, Kersh—for the strikeouts, the rings, and the heart.
For more on Kershaw's final games and Dodgers playoff push, follow our live coverage.