LOS ANGELES, CA — The legendary career of Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw has officially come to a close after 18 magnificent seasons, culminating in a third World Series title in 2025. As the baseball world processes the retirement of the three-time Cy Young Award winner and future Hall of Famer, former teammate and close friend Justin Turner paid a heartfelt tribute, reflecting on the privilege of seeing Kershaw walk away on the highest possible note.
Kershaw, who announced his retirement plans in September, cemented his legacy by helping the Dodgers capture their ninth franchise title, defeating the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2025 World Series.
Turner: “Very Happy for Him. What a Career.”
Speaking after the World Series celebration, Turner, now a free agent for the Chicago Cubs, expressed his profound satisfaction that Kershaw got the fairytale ending he deserved.
“It was really cool,” Turner said. “I was glad he got into the extra-inning game and made that big pitch to get out of the jam. When you have guys like that, who are icons of the game, it’s pretty cool that they get to walk away from it winning their last one.”12
“Very happy for him. What a career. I can’t say enough about what3 he’s done for the game of baseball.”4
Kershaw5’s final Major League appearance came in a high-leverage moment during the World Series. In a pivotal Game 3, he entered in the 12th inning, facing a bases-loaded jam. In a characteristic display of grit, Kershaw retired the only batter he faced, preserving the tie and allowing the Dodgers to eventually win the marathon 18-inning game on a Freddie Freeman walk-off home run—a fittingly clutch final moment for the iconic pitcher.
A Career That Redefined Dominance
Kershaw’s legacy with the Dodgers is simply unmatched. His 18 years with the franchise tie him for the longest tenure in team history, and his career statistics redefine modern pitching excellence:
Career ERA: $2.53$—The lowest of any pitcher in the live-ball era (since 1920).
Strikeouts: $3,052$ career strikeouts, making him one of only 20 pitchers in MLB history to reach the $3,000$ club.
Accolades: 3x NL Cy Young Award, 1x NL MVP, 11x All-Star, and 2x World Series Champion (2020 and 2025).
Kershaw’s decision to retire was not a sudden one, having been planned with his wife, Ellen, to allow him to spend more time with his growing family, which includes four children and a fifth expected this winter.
The left-hander now walks away, leaving a void in the Dodgers clubhouse that may never be truly filled, but carrying with him the satisfaction of ending his epic career as a champion.
