Dodgers longtime ace Clayton Kershaw, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, to retire at end of season

Kershaw made his MLB debut in 2008 after being the seventh overall pick two years prior, and he has surpassed every possible expectation since.

Kershaw will have spent his entire 18-year career with the Dodgers, winning the World Series in 2020 and 2024.

The lefty led the National League in ERA five times, including each year from 2011 through 2014. The 2014 campaign may have been his best, as he posted a 1.77 ERA with six complete games, an MLB-leading 10.8 K/9 and 0.86 WHIP and won the MVP. He remains the last starting pitcher to be named MVP.

Only five times has Kershaw ever pitched to an ERA above 3.00. This year, it is 3.53.

Aside from his three victories, Kershaw finished in the top 10 in Cy Young Award voting another six times and was a finalist in three other instances.

Kershaw was named an All-Star 11 times in his illustrious career, including this summer as an exemption by MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred.

Injuries have derailed Kershaw for the better part of the last decade, as he has not made 30 starts since 2015. But when he has been on the field, he's been an ageless wonder.

The Dodgers are aiming to win the NL West, and Kershaw figures to be a piece if they hope to repeat as champions.