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By Tim Crowley
Sports and Entertainment Network
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Clayton Kershaw emerged as arguably the greatest pitcher of his generation. Now, the longtime Los Angeles Dodgers star will bring his career to a close at the end of the season.
Kershaw announced his intentions to retire Thursday night as the Dodgers close out the regular season and prepare for another run in October. Even in his 18th season, Kershaw stayed productive with a 10-2 record, a 3.53 ERA and an All-Star selection as a special appointment by MLB commissioner Rob Manfred.
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The greater picture in the analysis of Kershaw's career is an all-but-guaranteed election to the National Baseball Hall of Fame as a first-ballot candidate. The southpaw's resume is beyond impressive with a pitching Triple Crown, the 2014 NL MVP award, two World Series championships (though just seven starts in 2024), three Cy Young awards, 11 All-Star selections and the Roberto Clemente award.
Now, he may lose votes occasionally for legitimate postseason struggles earlier in his career. The St. Louis Cardinals induced some disastrous outings from Kershaw in the 2013 and 2014 seasons. Kershaw often dominated in the NLDS before issues rose later, though since the 2020s rolled around, the Dodgers legend has pushed the narrative back.
He boasts a 4.49 ERA in the postseason and a 2.54 ERA in the regular season. It's part of the story, but his differences in the postseason absolutely should not cost him a well-earned first-ballot induction into Cooperstown.
Kershaw gets a chance to add a third championship and go out on top as the Dodgers start a playoff run through the gauntlet of top competition in the National League.
More MLB: Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw Eyes Next Career After Retirement Move: Insider
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