Clayton Kershaw May Be Making His Final All-Star Appearance as Retirement Nears.

As the 2025 MLB All-Star Game draws near, one of the most iconic pitchers of the modern era, Clayton Kershaw, stands poised to make what could be his final appearance in the Midsummer Classic. For baseball fans, it’s a bittersweet moment—an opportunity to celebrate a legend while grappling with the looming possibility of his retirement. Few players have defined a generation of pitching dominance the way Kershaw has, and as whispers grow louder about the end of his illustrious career, his presence at this year’s All-Star Game carries a weight of nostalgia and reverence.

Kershaw’s career has been a masterclass in consistency, excellence, and sheer competitiveness. From the moment he debuted with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2008, it was clear that the left-hander had the tools to become great. What no one could have fully anticipated was just how dominant he would become, earning three Cy Young Awards, an MVP, a pitching Triple Crown, and helping bring a long-awaited World Series title back to Los Angeles in 2020. His 10 All-Star selections stand as a testament to his sustained excellence over nearly two decades.

But in 2025, Kershaw is no longer the overpowering ace who regularly struck fear into the hearts of hitters across the league. He’s 37 now, with a body that has absorbed the grind of countless innings and the strain of repeated shoulder and back issues. He’s still capable of brilliant outings—crafty, smart, and surgical with his pitches—but the velocity isn’t what it used to be. The days of mid-90s fastballs have given way to strategic placement, pinpoint command, and the eternal reliability of that legendary curveball.

This year’s All-Star selection feels less like a nod to current dominance and more like a tribute to a career that has redefined pitching in the 21st century. Fans voted with their hearts, understanding the significance of giving Kershaw one more ovation on baseball’s biggest summer stage. It’s a moment not just for Dodgers fans but for all who have admired the way Kershaw has carried himself: with humility, passion, and a work ethic that has never wavered.

The rumors about retirement have followed Kershaw for several seasons now. He’s never been one for the dramatic farewell tour, choosing instead to let his pitching speak for him. But 2025 has felt different. His starts have been met with standing ovations in nearly every ballpark, not just in Los Angeles. Opposing teams and fanbases have paid tribute in subtle and overt ways, recognizing that the game is nearing the end of one of its most storied chapters.

When asked about his future, Kershaw has remained characteristically quiet, saying only that he’ll evaluate everything at the end of the season. But the signs are hard to ignore. He’s spent more time on the injured list in recent years, and while he’s still competitive, there’s an acknowledgment that the grind is catching up with him. His wife and children have become more of a priority, and he’s spoken about the desire to be present for their lives in a way that’s difficult while living the travel-heavy, physically demanding life of a professional pitcher.

If this is truly his last All-Star Game, it comes not with sadness but with gratitude. Few players get to exit the sport on their own terms. Even fewer get to do so with their legacy untouched, still contributing meaningfully on the field. Kershaw, for all he’s given the game, has earned that rare luxury. This All-Star appearance isn’t just another line on the résumé; it’s a celebration of a player who has given everything to the sport.

There’s also something poetic about Kershaw potentially walking away after the 2025 season. Baseball is in a new era now—young stars like Bobby Witt Jr., Julio Rodríguez, and Elly De La Cruz have taken center stage. The league is faster, more athletic, more focused on power and velocity. And yet, amidst all that, there’s still space for a veteran craftsman like Kershaw, whose understanding of pitching nuance remains unparalleled.

Kershaw’s legacy is not just in the numbers—though they are staggering. Over 3,000 strikeouts, a career ERA that ranks among the lowest in modern history, and more wins than most Hall of Famers could dream of. His true legacy is in how he pitched—with an intensity that inspired teammates, a competitiveness that raised the standard, and a demeanor that showed kids it’s possible to be great without being brash.

His postseason struggles, once a talking point for critics, have long since faded into irrelevance after his 2020 redemption. That championship ring wasn’t just validation; it was a symbol of resilience. Few athletes have ever faced more postseason pressure than Kershaw, and few have responded with more grace. He never ducked the big moments. He never made excuses. And when he finally won, he did so with the same quiet dignity that has defined his career.

Beyond the field, Kershaw’s impact stretches into humanitarian work and philanthropy. Through Kershaw’s Challenge, he and his wife Ellen have improved lives both in Los Angeles and globally. His influence transcends baseball, touching communities and setting an example for what it means to use a platform for good. That’s a legacy that no ERA or strikeout total can quantify.

If this All-Star Game is his final one, you can bet that everyone in attendance—from teammates to opponents to fans and even broadcasters—will recognize the magnitude of the moment. In an age where careers are often defined by social media presence and brand deals, Kershaw’s story is refreshingly simple. He showed up, he pitched, and he did it better than almost anyone in history.

Watching him jog out to the mound for the National League one more time will be emotional. There will be cheers, undoubtedly. There may be tears. But most of all, there will be respect. For a generation of baseball fans, Kershaw has been the gold standard. He’s the guy who every young pitcher imitates in backyard games. He’s the pitcher who reminded fans of Sandy Koufax, who carried the torch for Dodgers pitching greatness, and who did so with a loyalty to his team that’s increasingly rare in professional sports.

As we inch closer to the end of the 2025 season, the farewell tour—whether officially declared or not—will likely intensify. Dodgers fans will savor every home start. Opposing teams will tip their caps. And each pitch Kershaw throws will be one more reminder of the greatness we’ve been lucky enough to witness. Retirement may be looming, but right now, there’s still a little more magic left in that left arm.

The All-Star Game is a fitting place to pause and appreciate all that Kershaw has meant to the sport. It’s not about his current stats or whether he’s still a top-five pitcher. It’s about honoring a career that has exemplified everything fans hope for in a franchise cornerstone. Loyalty. Talent. Integrity. Passion. Leadership.

Whether or not he officially announces his retirement this year, fans will treat this All-Star Game as his potential swan song. And if it is the final time he dons the All-Star jersey, it will be a moment to cherish—not just for what it says about Clayton Kershaw’s past, but for what it reminds us about the enduring spirit of the game. Baseball has always found room to celebrate its legends, and this summer, it belongs to Clayton Kershaw.

There will be many more All-Star Games to come. New faces will emerge, and new stars will dominate the headlines. But the 2025 edition will always be remembered as the one where fans got one last chance to say thank you to a pitcher who, for 17 years, defined what greatness looked like every fifth day. Clayton Kershaw doesn’t just leave behind a statistical legacy—he leaves behind a standard. And that, more than anything, is what makes this potential final All-Star Game so unforgettable.