Clayton Kershaw opens up about decision to retire

The team announced on Thursday, Sept. 18 that the veteran pitcher will retire after 18 years in Dodger blue.

“I’m going to call it,” Kershaw said in a press conference on Thursday. “I’m going to retire. We talked about it a lot (as a family).”

Several of Kershaw’s current teammates, manager Dave Roberts and members of Kershaw’s family were among those in attendance for the press conference.

“I think I’ve known for a little having just talked to him throughout the season,” Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy told Spectrum SportsNet. “We found out officially this morning. He sent us all a text. I know he’s saying it today, but I don’t know if I officially believe it.”

Many expected Kershaw to retire after the 2024 season, but he decided to come back after the Dodgers won the World Series. He did not participate in the 2024 postseason due to a toe injury, but received a ring for being a member of the team and pitching during the regular season.

He has a 10-2 record this season in 20 starts, with 71 strikeouts in 102 innings pitched. Kershaw joined the 3,000-strikeout club in early July. He became the 20th pitcher to reach that career milestone.

The two-time World Series champion will finish his career second on the Dodgers’ all-time wins list with 222. Don Sutton has the franchise record of 233.

Kershaw is also third in team history in starts with 449, trailing Sutton (533) and Don Drysdale (465).

Kershaw said he decided to announce his decision with 10 games remaining on the regular season schedule to prevent being a distraction before the start of the postseason.

“I’m at peace with it and I think it’s the right time,” Kershaw said. “It’s been a fun year and such a blast. I can’t think of a better season to go out, but we have a lot to accomplish.”