LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 18: Clayton Kershaw #22 of the Los Angeles Dodgers speaks with the media during a press conference announcing his retirement from the MLB at Dodger Stadium on September 18, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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The Los Angeles Dodgers ended the season by winning the ninth World Series championship in franchise history, coming back from a deficit to win two games in Toronto and close out the victory in dramatic, extra-innings fashion in Game 7.
It might not have been much of a surprise given the team’s superstar roster, but it was an appropriate sendoff for one of the most iconic players in franchise history, Clayton Kershaw, who announced his decision to retire after the season shortly before the team’s playoff run began.
Kershaw is a lock for the Baseball Hall of Fame after performing as one of the best starters of his generation and one of the best southpaws in all of baseball history. He ended his career with three Cy Young Awards, a Most Valuable Player Award, 11 All-Star appearances, three World Series championships, 2,855 total innings and 3,052 total strikeouts.
“It’s not a sad feeling. It really isn’t,” Kershaw said about his leaving the game after the Dodgers’ World Series Game 7 victory, according to Rob Gillies of the Associated Press. “I mean, how cool is this? I will forever for the rest of my life be able to say we won Game 7 of the World Series in the last game I ever played. You can’t script that. You can’t write it up.”
Kershaw might have ended his playing days in a storybook manner, but there’s still some question surrounding what he might do next.
He could certainly try out any number of broadcasting roles if he is interested. But following an informal offer extended by Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman just after the season ended, he could be leaning toward returning to his long-time team in a new role.
“In the midst of their final champagne-and-beer celebration, Friedman basically offered Kershaw a job with no strings attached to it — just one that ensured he’d be around from time to time,” Alden Gonzalez reported for ESPN. “Kershaw has no interest in coaching, he said; at the moment, his focus is on being a father to what will soon be five children. But there is a curiosity within him that might not fade, one rooted in the current state of pitching.”
After he announced his plans to retire, Kershaw’s teammates raved about the advice and tips he offered in the dugout everyday. His wisdom is something the Dodgers would certainly like to benefit from for years to come.
So even if Kershaw has ruled out a return to baseball in the form of a formal coaching role, some kind of advisory position with the Dodgers seems like a strong likelihood. Particularly after he was able to go out with a championship to cement his iconic legacy with the franchise.