By Avry Jones
Photo Credit: Mark J. Terrill / AP
As the 2025 MLB season winds down, the baseball world prepares to bid farewell to one of its most iconic figures: Clayton Kershaw. The Los Angeles Dodgers ace, who announced his retirement earlier in September, will conclude an 18-year career that has redefined excellence on the mound.
A Career Etched in Greatness
Drafted by the Dodgers in 2006 and debuting in 2008, Kershaw quickly emerged as a generational talent. His accolades are astounding:
3x Cy Young Award winner (2011, 2013, 2014)
11x All-Star
2014 NL MVP
2x World Series Champion (2020, 2024)
3,000+ career strikeouts — one of only four left-handers to reach this milestone
2.54 career ERA — second lowest in the live-ball era among pitchers with 1,500+ innings
.698 career win percentage — highest all-time among pitchers with 300+ starts
Kershaw’s dominance from 2011 to 2014, when he led MLB in ERA for four consecutive seasons, remains one of the most impressive stretches in modern pitching history.
Where Does He Rank Among Left-Handed Legends?
When evaluating Kershaw’s place among the all-time great left-handed pitchers, several names inevitably surface: Sandy Koufax, Randy Johnson, Steve Carlton, and Warren Spahn.
| Pitcher | Career ERA | Strikeouts | Wins | Cy Youngs | MVPs | World Series Titles |
| Clayton Kershaw | 2.54 | 3,045 | 222 | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| Sandy Koufax | 2.76 | 2,396 | 165 | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| Randy Johnson | 3.29 | 4,875 | 303 | 5 | 0 | 1 |
| Steve Carlton | 3.22 | 4,136 | 329 | 4 | 1 | 2 |
| Warren Spahn | 3.09 | 2,583 | 363 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Source: MLB.com as of 25 September 2025
The Postseason Paradox
While his regular-season brilliance is undisputed, Kershaw’s postseason record has been more complex. He pitched in 12 postseasons and 22 series, often carrying an outsized burden for the Dodgers. Though he faced criticism for some October stumbles, he ultimately silenced doubters with a stellar performance in the 2020 World Series and earned a second ring in 2024.
A Graceful Exit
Kershaw’s final season has been vintage: a 10-2 record with a 3.53 ERA, proving he could still compete at the highest level. But for Kershaw, the decision to retire was driven by timing, family, and the pursuit of peace of mind. “I’m really at peace with this,” Kershaw stated during his emotional press conference on the 18th of September.
Final Thoughts
Clayton Kershaw leaves the game not just as a Dodgers legend, but as one of baseball’s most revered left-handed pitchers. His blend of dominance, humility, and loyalty has made him a role model for generations. Clayton Kershaw will be eligible for Hall of Fame enshrinement in 2031. As he potentially made for his final start at Dodger Stadium on September 18, fans across the league celebrate a career that was as graceful as his curveball — and just as unforgettable.
Avry Jones is a contributor to The MMM Journal. She can be reached at avryjones@comcast.net
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