Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw elaborated on his decision to retire after the season in a press conference following the announcement Thursday, revealing when he knew 2025 would be his final MLB season.
“Usually we wait to the offseason to kind of make a final call, but I think almost going into the season, we kind of knew that this was going to be it,” Kershaw said. “So I didn’t want to say anything in case I changed my mind. But over the course of the season, just how grateful I am to have been healthy, to be out on the mound and be able to pitch, I think it just made it obvious that this was a good sending-off point. And it is. I’ve had the best time this year. It’s been a blast.”
The Dodgers drafted Kershaw No. 7 overall in the 2006 MLB Draft, and he has stayed with the Dodgers for his entire MLB career, spanning back to 2008.
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The 11-time All-Star has won everything there is to win in LA, including the World Series, an MVP award, three Cy Young awards, a Triple Crown and a Gold Glove. He is also the active leader in ERA at 2.54 throughout his career, as well as shutouts with 15.
Despite missing a portion of the first half of the season while recovering from toe surgery, Kershaw has been fantastic for the Dodgers since his return in May. He has made 20 starts in 2025, posting a 3.53 ERA through 102 innings. His 10 wins this season are second most on the team, only behind Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s 11.
He reached 3,000 strikeouts this season, a mark which only two other active pitchers have reached: Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander.
More news: Clayton Kershaw Sends Emotional Message to Dodgers Teammates After Retirement Announcement
Kershaw will make his final regular season start at Dodger Stadium on Friday against the San Francisco Giants at 7:10 p.m. PT.
Photo Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
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