Some athletes play the game, and then there are those who redefine it. Clayton Kershaw is one such name. And his legendary career is reaching its last chapter. The Los Angeles Dodgers announced on Thursday that their left-handed franchise icon will retire at the end of the 2025 season. His last regular-season start will be against the San Francisco Giants. After 18 years in Dodger blue, the stage is now finally set for one of baseball’s best to take his final bow.

Kershaw, at 37 years old, has achieved the highest of highs in the game. He is an MVP, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, an 11-time All-Star, and a Gold Glove recipient. Not to mention, he has two World Series rings to his name. He is also the 2011 pitching triple crown winner, and his 3,039 strikeouts and eye-watering 2.54 ERA talk all about how great he really is.

The retirement news has rippled through the MLB world quickly, and MLB even posted it on X. It’s a reminder about how much Kershaw meant for not just LA but also the league. And what a fitting send-off he will get—the final game against the team’s oldest rivals.

Kershaw, meanwhile, is not limping to the finish line. It is his 18th season, and he has gone 10–2 with a 3.53 ERA in 20 starts, striking out 71 in 102 innings. This all includes a perfect August, where he went 5–0 with a 1.88 ERA. This has even earned him a “legends pick” All-Star nod! Hence, from the start to the end, he has been a cornerstone for the Dodgers, and they couldn’t thank him enough.

Mark Walter, owner and chairman of the Los Angeles Dodgers, had a message for him: “On behalf of the Dodgers, I congratulate Clayton on a fabulous career and thank him for the many moments he gave to Dodger fans and baseball fans everywhere, as well as for all of his profound charitable endeavors. His is a truly legendary career, one that we know will lead to his induction in the Baseball Hall of Fame.”

Well, for sure, he is making his way to Cooperstown, given he is a member of the 3,000 strikeout club and is the only pitcher in the modern era to win at least 200 games while losing less than 100! Now, when you think of Kershaw, the first thing is the dominance on the mound. But naturally, when your career is as decorated as his, it comes with serious financial rewards. So let’s look into how much Kershaw has made over the years and his net worth in 2025!

Clayton Kershaw’s career earnings

Kershaw’s fortune is built almost entirely on his run with the Los Angeles Dodgers, as he has played here the entire time. His income has come in through the major league contract, the performance bonuses, and the endorsements. And over the years, he has signed some great deals. In 2012, he got a two-year contract worth $19 million per season. Then, a year later, LA gave him an extension valued at $215 million. Then in 2018, Kershaw got another extension, and this time a $93 million contract.

According to Spotrac, Kershaw’s career earnings through 2025 sit at $314,676,411. And as far as his net worth goes, Celebrity Net Worth estimates his fortune to be around $170 million.

What is Clayton Kershaw’s net worth in 2025? Decoding the income of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ star 

Clayton Kershaw’s name is synonymous with greatness on the mound, but it also carries weight in financial circles. By 2025, estimates of his net worth vary, showing just how hard it is to pin down an exact figure for someone with such a broad portfolio. Some sources value him at $170 million, putting him in the top tier of MLB’s richest players. On the other hand, other outlets estimate his wealth closer to $110 million. This wide gap is largely due to how different outlets account for endorsements, investments, and real estate alongside his career earnings.

Even at the conservative estimate, Kershaw stands comfortably among the wealthiest athletes in baseball history. His fortune is a product of nearly two decades with the Dodgers, where his consistency and dominance made him one of the highest-paid pitchers of all time. Beyond his playing salary, his smart off-field ventures and endorsement portfolio have played a significant role in boosting his net worth. Whether you lean toward the $110 million or the $170 million mark, one thing is clear: Kershaw’s financial legacy is as enduring as his pitching career.

What is the value of his contract? Understanding his salary in the season

Kershaw’s 2025 contract with the Dodgers reflects a blend of respect for his legacy and pragmatism about his current stage of career. He signed a one-year deal worth $7.5 million in guaranteed base salary, which ensures he’s well compensated while giving the team flexibility. The contract also includes up to $8.5 million in incentives, tied to benchmarks such as games started and days spent on the active roster. That structure pushes the potential total to about $16 million for the season if he meets all the performance criteria.

This setup makes sense for both sides. For the Dodgers, it reduces the risk of paying a large guaranteed sum to a veteran pitcher who has dealt with injuries in recent seasons. For Kershaw, it provides security while still allowing him to maximize earnings if he stays healthy and effective. It’s also a reminder of how valuable he still is: even in his late thirties, Kershaw commands a contract that could rival the salaries of younger stars, proving his enduring place in the game.

A list of the endorsements associated with Clayton Kershaw

While contracts and salaries form the base of Kershaw’s wealth, his endorsements provide a steady and diverse stream of income. Over the years, he’s partnered with brands that stretch far beyond baseball. His most notable deal is with Skechers, which became his footwear partner after he parted ways with Under Armour in 2019. With Skechers, he helped launch their first baseball cleats, giving him a direct role in shaping a product for athletes. He also endorses Wilson, a natural choice for a pitcher known for his glove work, and Mustard, a sports analysis app designed to help pitchers and coaches improve mechanics with cutting-edge technology.

Kershaw’s portfolio also extends into lifestyle and consumer goods. He’s been linked with DICK’S Sporting Goods, Ball Park Buns, Raising Cane’s, and BuzzRock Brewing Co., giving him visibility in food, drink, and retail spaces. In the automotive and technology sectors, his endorsements include Hankook Tire and Visible Mobile, while collectors know his name from Panini trading cards. He’s also associated with Engage, a fan-focused event platform.

What makes his endorsement portfolio stand out is its diversity. Instead of staying confined to athletic gear or equipment, Kershaw has built a wide network of partnerships. This diversification not only adds to his wealth but also speaks to his wide-ranging appeal as a player who balances competitiveness with approachability. His endorsements are a reflection of his status as more than just an athlete: he’s a trusted figure whose name resonates across industries.

Greatness isn’t just measured in stats or highlight reels. It’s also in the choices, the resilience, and the ability to stay relevant year after year. His journey proves that true legends don’t just shine under the stadium lights; they leave a mark that lasts far beyond the game.