The Los Angeles Dodgers received their 2025 World Series rings ahead of a matchup against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday, March 27, but the bigger news development was the outlook for future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw.
The legendary lefty called it quits at the end of the 2025 season. The Dodgers expressed a desire to keep him around the organization, and they’ve made good on that promise. Kershaw has officially been hired as a special assistant, according to multiple reports, including from Alden Gonzalez of ESPN.
It’s unclear what Kershaw’s exact duties will be, only that the position will not include coaching. “I’ll be involved somehow,” Kershaw told reporters. “Probably not physically here in L.A., but definitely I’m sure I’ll watch games. I still want to be a part of the Dodgers, so if I can help in some small piece, I will.”
Kershaw spent all 18 seasons of his MLB career with the Dodgers. He’s earned three World Series wins with the organization.
Los Angeles Dodgers News Update: Clayton Kershaw Named Special Assistant
Fans at the ring ceremony on Friday received a special treat, with Kershaw emerging from the dugout to toss the ceremonial first pitch. While the rest of the Dodgers moved on to play the game, Kershaw was able to sit with the moment. “I know they’ve got to move on to this season, but I don’t have to,” Kershaw said. “I’m just going to keep relishing it.”
Kershaw compiled a superb 2.53 ERA across 2,855.1 big-league innings. He received 11 All-Star selections and won three National League Cy Young awards. Kershaw put together a four-year stretch from 2011 through 2014, during which he led the majors in ERA each season. He paced the National League in strikeouts in 2011, 2013, and 2015. No pitcher tossed more than Kershaw’s 232.2 innings in 2015, though it would be the last time he topped 200 frames.
Injuries hampered the final years of Kershaw’s career. After 10 starts in the shortened 2020 season, he failed to complete a full year in the following five campaigns. Kershaw maxed out at 24 starts and 131.2 innings from 2021 through 2025. He managed a career-low seven starts and 30 innings in 2024 following shoulder surgery. The lefty also dealt with toe inflammation that year. Kershaw’s final season was a bounce-back effort, as he posted a 3.36 ERA across 23 appearances (22 starts).
Dodgers Off to a Strong Start in Three-Peat Effort
Los Angeles has kicked off its quest for a third consecutive championship in excellent form. The club is 2-0 with a pair of victories over the Diamondbacks. Reigning World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched the club to an 8-2 victory on Opening Day. The righty got plenty of offensive support, with Andy Pages and Will Smith slugging home runs.
Friday’s matchup was a tighter affair. Young right-hander Emmet Sheehan struggled, ceding four earned runs over 3.1 innings. Sheehan did notch six strikeouts, but Arizona scored in three of the four frames he was on the mound. Ryne Nelson was equally ineffective on the other side. The D-backs righty was tagged for four earned runs over 4.2 innings. Alex Freeland and Mookie Betts got him for home runs. Kyle Tucker delivered the go-ahead hit in the 8th inning. Fellow big-ticket free agent Edwin Diaz closed out the win.
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