Dodgers Legend Offers Cryptic Response to Retirement Rumors

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Kershaw may be undecided about his immediate future, but he has given plenty of thought to life beyond the mound. In the same podcast appearance, he was candid about what will and won’t define his post-playing days.

Returning to college at Texas A&M, where he once committed before signing with the Dodgers in 2006, doesn’t appear likely. “I don’t think so. I don’t know but I doubt it,” Kershaw admitted. “A&M looked like such a great time, such a good culture there. I’m sad not to have stepped on campus but I think I made the right choice.”

Coaching, too, seems to be on hold. “I think the coaching stuff is so hard because you have the same travel schedule as a player,” Kershaw said. “At least for the first few years, whenever I finish up, I need to be home, man. I need to be home with the kiddos. … Especially we’ve got [child] number 5 coming in December.”

Instead, his focus will be on family. “I’m going to be a great dad, be a stay-at-home dad for a while and love it, and then after a couple years we’ll see what happens,” he added.

Still Elite on the Mound

For all the talk of retirement, Kershaw’s performance shows little sign of decline. In 20 starts this season, he holds a 10–2 record with a 3.53 ERA, 71 strikeouts, and just 30 walks across 102 innings. Advanced metrics continue to back up his effectiveness: he ranks in the 95th percentile at limiting barrels and is among the league’s best in generating ground balls.

It’s a strong encore to his injury-limited 2024 season, when he logged only seven starts. This year, his presence has helped stabilize a Dodgers rotation ravaged by injuries and inconsistency.

Over his career, Kershaw has already secured a place in Cooperstown. His résumé includes 222 wins, a 2.54 ERA, more than 3,000 strikeouts, three Cy Young Awards, an MVP, two World Series titles, and 11 All-Star nods.

The Dodgers Waiting Game

The Dodgers have plenty on their plate with a playoff race ahead, and Kershaw isn’t letting the future cloud the present. Still, his words hint at a man both at peace with what he’s accomplished and curious about what comes next.

Whether he decides to extend his career or finally take the summer off with his family, Kershaw’s legacy is already secure. The only mystery now is how — and when — he chooses to write the final chapter.