Clayton Kershaw capped off his illustrious career by winning a third World Series championship with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The left-hander is now officially retired after spending 18 seasons with the organization. He is one of the greatest pitchers in franchise history and accomplished just about everything on the field, from three Cy Young Awards to a triple crown.
Aside from his success on the mound, Kershaw was a popular teammate for his approachability and leadership.
On the final day of 2025, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Max Muncy and more Dodgers players shared heartfelt messages to Kershaw as he prepares for life after baseball.
Special messages to Clayton from the 2025 World Series Champs. 💙 pic.twitter.com/p3HbuiDjPa
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) December 31, 2025
Kershaw shared a clubhouse with hundreds of players over his nearly two decades in L.A. and made a lasting impact on almost all of them.
One of those players was Justin Turner, who enjoyed watching Kershaw go out as a World Series champion. “It was really cool,” Chicago Cubs free agent Justin Turner said of former Dodgers teammate Kershaw retiring on the heels of winning a World Series.
“I was glad he got into the extra-inning game and made that big pitch to get out of the jam. When you have guys like that, who are icons of the game, it’s pretty cool that they get to walk away from it winning their last one.
“Very happy for him. What a career. I can’t say enough about what he’s done for the game of baseball.”
Clayton Kershaw declined offer to join Dodgers front office
Although he is retired now, Kershaw will always have a home with the Dodgers and figures to return to the organization at some point in a full-time role or as a special advisor.
He recently declined an opportunity to join the Dodgers front office in favor of spending more time with his family. Kershaw and wife Ellen welcomed their fifth child last month.
Kershaw presumably will continue to make occasional appearances at Dodger Stadium and could help the team’s pitching staff at Camelback Ranch during Spring Training workouts.
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