Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw says he'll retire after season - ESPN

LOS ANGELES — Three-time Cy Young Award winner and 11-time All-Star Clayton Kershaw, who has spent all 18 seasons of his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, will retire at the end of this season.

The Dodgers announced Kershaw's decision Thursday, adding that Friday will mark the final regular-season home start of his career. Kershaw is scheduled to hold a news conference later Thursday.

«On behalf of the Dodgers, I congratulate Clayton on a fabulous career and thank him for the many moments he gave to Dodger fans and baseball fans everywhere, as well as for his profound charitable endeavors,» Dodgers owner Mark Walter said in a statement. «His is a truly legendary career, one that we know will lead to his induction in the Baseball Hall of Fame.»

Kershaw also was the 2014 National League MVP in a career that will undoubtedly finish in the Hall of Fame. His 222 victories are second only to Don Sutton in franchise history. In July, he became the 20th pitcher in baseball history to accumulate 3,000 career strikeouts, and his 2.54 ERA is the lowest of any pitcher in the live ball era since 1920.

He would be eligible for Cooperstown in 2031.

Kershaw's 18 seasons with the Dodgers — winning World Series championships in 2020 and 2024 — are tied with Bill Russell and Hall of Famer Zack Wheat for most in franchise history.

What Clayton Kershaw, who will be eligible for Hall of Fame enshrinement in 2031, has accomplished over his 18 seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers:

• 20th pitcher all-time to reach 3,000 career strikeouts
• One of 11 pitchers to win the Cy Young Award at least three times
• Only pitcher to lead MLB in ERA in four straight seasons (2011-14)
• 2nd-lowest career ERA (2.54) in live-ball era among pitchers with