Clayton Kershaw has spent nearly two decades as the face of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitching staff.
Even at age 37 heading into the 2025 MLB season,
the left-hander has proven why he should be in the discussion of all-time great pitchers.
Despite early-season challenges, Kershaw has bounced back with impressive performances,
record-breaking accomplishments and the same competitive spirit that made him a future Hall of Famer.
A tough start, followed by a strong comeback
Kershaw’s 2025
debut on May 17 wasn’t his best performance.
He gave up five earned runs in just four innings, and later admitted his grip was weak.
But if his career has taught us one thing, it’s that he knows how to adjust.
Over the next month, he found his rhythm back.
By July, Kershaw’s ERA had dropped to 3.03, and he was making perfect starts, pitching six consecutive innings.
His improved grip and balance on the pitch reminded fans why he has been a staple for the Dodgers for so long.
Joining the 3,000 Strikeout Club
One of the biggest moments of the 2025 MLB season came when Kershaw recorded his 3,000th career strikeout on July 2.
With that, he became:
The 20th pitcher in MLB history to accomplish the feat
Only the fourth left-handed pitcher to reach 3,000 strikeouts
The accomplishment further cements his legacy alongside names like Nolan Ryan, Randy Johnson, and Max Scherzer.
A rare duel with Max Scherzer
Baseball fans got to see a memorable duel in late June when Kershaw faced off against
Max Scherzer, another member of the 3K strikeout club.
Kershaw: 6 innings, 1 run, 7 hits, 4 strikeouts (win, 5-1 Dodgers)
Scherzer: 5 innings, 3 earned runs, 5 strikeouts (loss)
It was a reminder that even in 2025, Kershaw can outplay some of the game’s best pitchers.
Dominating again in August
By mid-August,
Kershaw is looking as sharp as ever.
On August 15, he threw six innings of one-run ball against the Padres,
improving his record to 7-2. In fact, in his last three starts,
he has allowed just two runs in 18 innings combined—a stretch that feels like Kershaw’s old dominance.
2025 season stats so far
So far, Kershaw’s stats remain very strong for a veteran pitcher:
Record: 7-2
ERA: 3.14
Strikeouts: 46
WHIP: 1.19
These stats not only show his toughness—they prove he’s still capable of leading the rotation.
Is Kershaw still elite?
The word “elite” is often used, but Kershaw still deserves it.
Though he no longer throws as hard as he once did, his pitching IQ, control,
and adaptability make him one of the most reliable pitchers in baseball.
He’s no longer chasing Cy Young Awards, but he’s still winning games.
He’s not just a veteran—he’s actively contributing at a high level.
His longevity and consistency put him in the rare category of all-time great pitchers.
Final Thoughts
Clayton Kershaw’s 2025 season proves that greatness doesn’t fade easily.
From reaching the 3,000 strikeout mark to blowing opponents out in August,
he remains the center of the Dodgers’ rotation.
For a pitcher who has already done everything in baseball—MVPs, Cy Youngs,
World Series titles—Kershaw continues to give fans something else: the joy of watching a living legend redefine longevity at the highest level.
