Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw Retires After 18-Year Career, Three World Series Titles

Clayton Kershaw, the legendary Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher, announced his retirement after an 18-year career capped by a third World Series championship in 2025. Despite being prepared to pitch in the decisive Game 7 against the Toronto Blue Jays, Kershaw did not realize the Dodgers had won until informed by the bullpen coach, marking an unexpected yet triumphant end to his career. Over nearly two decades with the Dodgers, Kershaw became a franchise icon, finishing with 223 wins, a 2.53 ERA, over 3,000 strikeouts, and a .699 winning percentage, the best in MLB's post-integration era. His career was distinguished by three Cy Young Awards, an MVP, 11 All-Star selections, and five ERA titles, cementing his status as one of the greatest left-handed pitchers in history. The Dodgers now face a shift in their roster, with Kershaw retiring and four other players entering free agency as the team plans to address weaknesses revealed during the season and playoffs. Kershaw's retirement symbolizes the end of an era for the Dodgers, who celebrated back-to-back World Series titles, underscoring his lasting impact on the team both on the mound and in the clubhouse.