Is Clayton Kershaw one of MLB’s greatest pitchers as he retires after 17 Seasons?

Clayton Kershaw, the face of the Los Angeles Dodgers for nearly two decades, has officially announced that he will retire after the 2025 MLB season. The left-hander, known for his dominant curveball and unmatched consistency, leaves behind one of the most decorated résumés in baseball history. But as fans and analysts debate his place in the game’s lore, one question looms large: Where does Clayton Kershaw rank among the greatest pitchers of all time?

A Career Defined by Dominance

Since debuting in 2008, Kershaw has established himself as one of the most feared pitchers in Major League Baseball. With three Cy Young Awards, an MVP, and a career ERA that hovers among the lowest in modern history, his numbers cement his place in the sport’s elite circle.

Kershaw’s 200-plus career wins and over 2,900 strikeouts showcase not just talent, but durability and longevity. Few pitchers in the last 50 years have combined regular-season dominance with postseason resilience the way Kershaw ultimately did, especially in the Dodgers’ 2020 World Series run.

Ranking Among the All-Time Greats

Baseball historians and analysts generally place Kershaw firmly inside the top 20 pitchers of all time. His career ERA+, WHIP, and consistency stack up alongside legends like Sandy Koufax, Greg Maddux, and Tom Seaver.

While debates will continue, especially given the depth of MLB pitching history, most agree that Kershaw’s impact on both the Dodgers franchise and the league is comparable to the sport’s iconic arms.

From “October Struggles” to World Champion

For years, Kershaw’s postseason record was used as the one blemish on his otherwise perfect career. Critics pointed to October struggles, but his dominant performances in 2020 helped silence that narrative. Winning the World Series not only secured his legacy but also validated years of hard work when it mattered most.

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Kershaw’s Collectibles: A Legacy You Can Hold

With his retirement, Clayton Kershaw’s baseball cards have spiked in interest among collectors. Cards such as his 2006 Bowman Chrome Draft rookie card are highly sought after, with values expected to rise as he officially enters retirement and eventually the Hall of Fame. For fans, owning a piece of Kershaw’s career is more than memorabilia, it’s history.

The Future Hall of Famer’s Impact

Kershaw’s impact extends far beyond statistics. He has been the cornerstone of a Dodgers dynasty, a mentor to younger pitchers, and a model of consistency in an era defined by velocity and injuries. His influence will live on not just in Cooperstown, where he will be enshrined, but also in the way future pitchers study his mechanics and approach to the game.

Where Does Kershaw Stand?

Clayton Kershaw retires not just as a Dodgers legend but as a baseball immortal. While rankings may vary, his combination of dominance, awards, and leadership ensures his place among the top pitchers in MLB history. The debate about whether he belongs in the top 10 or top 20 will continue, but one thing is certain, the game will never forget him.

FAQ: Clayton Kershaw’s Retirement and Legacy

Is Clayton Kershaw retiring?

Yes. Clayton Kershaw confirmed that the 2025 MLB season will be his last after 17 years with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Where does Clayton Kershaw rank among MLB’s greatest pitchers?

Most analysts place Kershaw firmly in the top 20 pitchers of all time, with some arguing he belongs in the top 10. His career ERA, strikeouts, and Cy Young awards make the case.

How many Cy Young Awards does Clayton Kershaw have?

Kershaw won three Cy Young Awards (2011, 2013, 2014) and remains one of the most dominant pitchers of his generation.

Did Clayton Kershaw win a World Series?

Yes. Kershaw helped lead the Dodgers to victory in the 2020 World Series, solidifying his legacy and ending debates about his postseason performance.

Will Clayton Kershaw be in the Hall of Fame?

Absolutely. Kershaw is a first-ballot Hall of Famer with credentials that rival any pitcher in modern MLB history.

What are the most valuable Clayton Kershaw baseball cards?

The 2006 Bowman Chrome Draft rookie card is considered his most prized collectible. With his retirement, card values are expected to rise.

What were Clayton Kershaw’s career stats?

Kershaw finished his career with over 200 wins, 2,900+ strikeouts, and one of the lowest ERAs in the modern era.