The Los Angeles Dodgers have not even begun the 2025 season yet, but fans are wondering whether Clayton Kershaw’s one-year deal signifies it will be his final MLB season.
At spring camp on Thursday, Kershaw revealed he will be taking things “year by year,” per USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.
“I hope this is the last time I have to rehab. I’m kind of done with that,” Kerdhaw said. “But at the same time, I don’t want that to be the reason that I stop playing. I don’t want to be, ‘I just can’t do it hurt,’ you know?
“Hopefully I can walk out on my own terms, whenever that is. But it just didn’t kind of feel like it was the right time, even though we won (last year). Being on the shelf for that wasn’t the way that I had scripted it out. I’m still super thankful to be a part of it last year and get to see everything. But I want to be out there when it happens. Always a good motivating factor, for sure.”
At this point, there is no official timeline for Kershaw’s retirement as the veteran southpaw kicks off Year 18 with the Dodgers.
Although fans won’t know if the 2025 season is Kershaw’s final year before he hangs up his jersey, the three-time Cy Young winner called himself a “Dodger for life” at the World Series parade in November.
“I’ve waited for this day for a long time. I’ve waited to celebrate for a long time,” Kershaw said. “I can’t imagine being anywhere else right now, and I can’t imagine doing it with a better group of guys than this group right here. I’m at a loss for words, but I didn’t have anything to do with this championship, but it feels like the best feeling in the world that I get to celebrate with you guys. Two-time champs and a lot more coming. Let’s go!
“I love you guys, thank you! Dodger for life!”
Kershaw missed the postseason due to a reoccurring toe injury that sidelined him at the end of August, but the veteran pitcher celebrated the World Series victory just as much as his teammates.
Kershaw, a soon-to-be 37-year-old, will join the deepest rotation he’s ever been a part of throughout his illustrious career.
Dodgers starting pitchers include Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shohei Ohtani, Tyler Glasnow, and Roki Sasaki.
Ohtani is not expected to make his two-way debut until May, but he will likely be in the lineup for the Tokyo series opener.
Kershaw recently revealed he’s hoping to make his 2025 debut sooner than projected, toward the end of May or early June.
In 2024, Kershaw started seven games for the Dodgers and made his season debut on July 25.
He produced a 4.50 ERA and 1.50 WHIP in 30 innings after returning from left shoulder surgery.
Heading into 2025, the Dodgers will place Kershaw on the 60-day injured list and once eligible to return he is expected to make his debut.
