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Clayton Kershaw Sends Clear Message on MLB Future After Historic Night

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin M. Groe | Last updated Jul 3, 2025 4:12 PM ET

Left-handed starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw, a Los Angeles Dodgers icon since his 2008 MLB debut, is now playing in his 18th season with the club.

In 2025, the veteran southpaw is undefeated with a 4–0 record and a 3.43 ERA in his age-37 season.

Despite missing spring training and the season’s opening weeks after offseason left-toe and knee surgery, he finally took the mound in mid-May—and has been efficient ever since.

Although his arm isn’t what it once was and his velocity has dipped slightly, it hasn’t hampered his effectiveness on the mound. Kershaw’s pinpoint command continues to keep hitters off balance, neutralize swings and limit hard contact on the way to efficient outings.

On Wednesday against the Chicago White Sox, Kershaw notched his 3,000th career strikeout, becoming the 20th pitcher ever to join the club—and the first since Max Scherzer in 2021.

Afterward, he made his intentions clear on his MLB future, "The Dodgers have stuck with me. It hasn't been all roses. I'm super grateful now. To say that I got to spend my whole career here, and I will spend my whole career here. I have a lot more appreciation.”

Clayton Kershaw reaffirms that he'll finish his career with the Dodgers:

"The Dodgers have stuck with me. it hasn't been all roses. I'm super grateful now. To say that I got to spend my whole career here, and I will spend my whole career here. I have a lot more appreciation." pic.twitter.com/tjXLgmrd85
— Doug McKain (@DMAC_LA) July 3, 2025

Originally the seventh overall pick in the 2006 MLB Draft by the Dodgers, Kershaw quickly rose to superstardom—collecting an MVP Award, three Cy Youngs, ten All-Star nods and a pitching Triple Crown. He owns a career 2.52 ERA, a 216–94 record and now 3,000 punch-outs.

He’s also been the centerpiece of L.A.’s October baseball streak—dating back to 2013—helping the Dodgers clinch a playoff berth every year and taking on a heavy workload.

With Los Angeles at 55–32 and leading the San Diego Padres by 8½ games in the NL West, Kershaw looks to keep contributing as the Dodgers chase back-to-back titles.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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