Clayton Kershaw to Retire After 18 Years With Dodgers and More Than 3,000 Strikeouts

Los Angeles Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw pitches to a San Francisco Giants batter during the first inning of a baseball game in San Francisco on Sept. 13, 2025. Godofredo A. Vásquez/AP Photo

LOS ANGELES—An emotional Clayton Kershaw said Thursday he will retire at the end of the season, having spent his entire 18-year career with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Wiping his eyes, his voice choking at times, Kershaw said he knew going into the season that it was likely going to be his last, but he didn’t want to say anything in case he changed his mind.