Manager Dave Roberts watched his ace Clayton Kershaw evolve from a great pitcher into a living legend. So, Roberts thought he knew the plan for his star pitcher’s final act. However, even the closest relationships sometimes hold surprises. And the final chapter for the Dodgers icon wasn’t exactly what his manager had in mind.

The Los Angeles Dodgers officially announced that the legendary lefty, Clayton Kershaw, will retire after the 2025 season. The team confirmed his final regular-season start is set for Friday night against the San Francisco Giants. The team’s owner, Mark Walter, thanked the near-certain first-ballot Hall of Famer.

But it seems Dave Roberts had a slightly different script in his heart. In a chat with Bob Costas on Thursday, Roberts felt Kershaw’s fire still burned for one more glorious October run. The manager said, “Nobody does it more right than him. I am just happy that we got the 2020, we got to hoist that World Series Championship trophy. That’s something that was a void. So, he’s got two championships under his belt,” Roberts said. “But I think he just wants one more crack at the postseason.”

The conversation was about Kershaw’s past, legendary career, and postseason struggles, and Costas recalled a painful 2023 playoff exit where Kershaw looked dejected. And Roberts’ response showed his deep connection to his player. “ To see certain Octobers where it hasn’t ended well… it just breaks my heart because, uh, this guy loves the game,” Roberts admitted.

The 2023 playoff game against the Arizona Diamondbacks was especially tough, where Kershaw recorded just one out in Game 1 of the Division Series before surrendering six runs. The Diamondbacks even hammered him with exit velocities north of 110 mph. And Gabriel Moreno’s three-run homer sealed the early knockout.

But no one should forget Kershaw delivered a masterpiece in 2020. Kershaw went 4-1 with a 2.93 ERA that postseason, and he was a member of two World Series championship teams (2020 and 2024). Still, the numbers remind us why Roberts asks for another chance. Kershaw has a 4.49 ERA, with 13 losses in 39 postseason appearances, which stood in harsh contrast brilliant 2.54 regular-season ERA. 

So, how big a loss will Kershaw be to the Dodgers and Dave Roberts?

Why the Manager’s worry matters now

Clayton Kershaw’s final season was a renaissance after an injury-plagued previous years. “The Claw” posted an excellent 10-2 record through 20 starts this season and maintained a solid 3.53 ERA, earning him an 11th All-Star nod as the Commissioner’s “Legend Pick”.

And in his 18-year career, Kershaw won three Cy Young Awards, including back-to-back victories in 2013 and 2014. And his 2014 MVP season, where he went 21-3 with a 1.77 ERA, was one of the most dominant campaigns in modern history. Eleven All-Star nods, five ERA titles, and a no-hitter with 15 strikeouts against Colorado in 2014.

And this season, he became the Dodgers’ all-time strikeout king with over 3,000 strikeouts. And with 222 career wins, he’s among the top active pitchers like Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer. No doubt he will be a huge miss from next season for Dave Roberts and the Dodgers.

Perhaps his most unique achievement is playing his entire career in Los Angeles. And as the Dodgers prepare for another postseason, they will look to retain their title as Kershaw will look to bow out at a high.