Story by
Is Clayton Kershaw the best left-handed pitcher of all time? Rankings by WAR.
- Story by
- Is Clayton Kershaw the best left-handed pitcher of all time? Rankings by WAR.
Los Angeles Dodgers longtime ace Clayton Kershaw announced Thursday, Sept. 18 that the 2025 season will be the last of his 18-year career.
Kershaw was selected by the Dodgers in the first round of the 2006 draft and played his whole career in L.A. , where he racked up 222 wins, 3,039 strikeouts, three Cy Young Awards, two World Series titles and the 2014 National League MVP.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
But where does the lefty land among the best southpaw starters of all-time? Here are the top 10 left-handed pitchers, by WAR, according to Baseball Reference:
USA Team All-Star Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches against the World Team during the XM Satellite Radio All-Star Futures Game at AT&T Park on July 8, 2007, in San Francisco.
(Jed Jacobsohn, Getty Images)
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws a pitch in his MLB debut against the St. Louis Cardinals at Dodger Stadium on May 25, 2008, in Los Angeles.
(Jeff Gross, Getty Images)
Los Angeles Dodgers starter Clayton Kershaw pitches in the sixth inning in his MLB debut against the St. Louis Cardinals at Dodger Stadium on May 25, 2008. The Dodgers defeated the Cardinals 4-3 in 10 innings.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Joe Torre pats starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw on the back as he relieves him in the eighth inning with catcher Russell Martin standing by against the San Diego Padres on Sept. 2, 2008, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.
(Stephen Dunn, Getty Images)
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw throws from the mound against the San Diego Padres during their MLB game on April 9, 2009, at Petco Park in San Diego.
(Donald Miralle, Getty Images)
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates an Orlando Hudson at-bat resulting in a fielder's choice and error to score Mark Loretta with the bases loaded in the 11th inning against the New York Mets at Dodger Stadium on May 18, 2009, in Los Angeles.
(Harry How, Getty Images)
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw pitches in the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on June 21, 2009.
(Gary A. Vasquez, USA TODAY Sports)
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw celebrates after the game with the Colorado Rockies on Oct. 3, 2009, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. The Dodgers won 5-0 to clinch the National League West.
(Stephen Dunn, Getty Images)
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw on the mound against the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 2 of the 2009 NLDS at Dodger Stadium on Oct. 8, 2009, in Los Angeles.
(Jeff Gross, Getty Images)
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw signs balls for fans of the St. Louis Cardinals before a 2009 NLDS game at Busch Stadium on Oct. 10, 2009, in St Louis.
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw is pulled from the game during the fifth inning of Game 1 of the 2009 NLCS against the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium on Oct. 15, 2009.
(Christopher Hanewinckel, USA TODAY Sports)
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw lays down a bunt in the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium on May 9, 2010.
(Gary A. Vasquez, USA TODAY Sports)
Los Angeles Dodgers hitting coach Jeff Pentland in the dugout with players Reed Johnson, A.J. Ellis, Clayton Kershaw, Brad Ausmus and Scott Podsednik during the game against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium on Sept. 5, 2010.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates with catcher Rod Barajas after defeating the San Francisco Giants during a game at AT&T Park on Sept. 14, 2010, in San Francisco.
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw in the dugout after he is pulled in the ninth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium on April 21, 2011. The Dodgers won 5-3 in the 12th inning.
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw and center fielder Matt Kemp celebrate after Kershaw's complete game shutout against the Detroit Tigers on June 20, 2011, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.
From left to right: National League All-Stars Pablo Sandoval, Justin Upton, Starlin Castro and Clayton Kershaw celebrate after defeating the American League in the 2011 MLB All-Star Game at Chase Field on July 12, 2011.
(Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)
Catcher Rod Barajas of the Los Angeles Dodgers argues with home plate umpire Bill Welke after pitcher Clayton Kershaw was thrown out of the game for hitting Gerardo Parra of the Arizona Diamondbacks with a pitch at Dodger Stadium on Sept. 14, 2011, in Los Angeles.
(Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images)
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw prepares to deliver a pitch against the San Francisco Giants in the first inning at AT&T Park on Sept. 9, 2011.
(Cary Edmondson, USA TODAY Sports)
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw and wife Ellen Kershaw pose for a photo at a press conference at Dodger Stadium to discuss their book on Jan. 17, 2012.
Pitcher Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers is presented the National League Cy Young Award plaque by former Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela prior to the start of the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Dodger Stadium on April 11, 2012 in Los Angeles.
Andre Ethier, Clayton Kershaw and Matt Kemp of the Los Angeles Dodgers pose with their 2011 Gold Gloves before the game against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium on April 13, 2012, in Los Angeles.
Matt Kemp of the Los Angeles Dodgers receives a high-five from Clayton Kershaw after hitting a two-run home run in the first inning against the Houston Astros on April 20, 2012, at Minute Maid Park in Houston.
(Bob Levey, Getty Images)
National League All-Star pitcher Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers talks with catcher Buster Posey of the San Francisco Giants and pitching coach Dave Duncan during the fifth inning of the 2012 MLB All-Star Game at Kauffman Stadium on July 10, 2012.
(H. Darr Beiser, USA TODAY Sports)
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw, relief pitcher Kenley Jansen and right fielder Andre Ethier celebrate with third baseman Hanley Ramirez after Ramirez hit a walk-off single against the Chicago Cubs at Dodger Stadium on Aug. 5, 2012.
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports)
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers signs autographs before the MLB game against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field on Aug. 19, 2012, in Atlanta.
(Scott Cunningham, Getty Images)
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw throws a pitch in the third inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on Sept. 11, 2012. (Editors note: Multiple exposure image)
(Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw is awarded the Roberto Clemente Award by commissioner Bud Selig and MLB goodwill ambassador Vera Clemente prior to Game 4 of the 2012 World Series between the San Francisco Giants and the Detroit Tigers on Oct. 28, 2012.
(Rick Osentoski, USA TODAY Sports)
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw rounds the bases after a solo home run in the eighth inning of the game against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium on April 1, 2013.
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports)
Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Matt Kemp pours a bucket of ice water on starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw as he is being interviewed by Fox Sports West reporter Jim Watson after the game against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium on April 1, 2013.
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports)
Los Angeles Dodgers fans cheer starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw as he is relieved in the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium on May 14, 2013.
(Gary A. Vasquez, USA TODAY Sports)
National League All-Stars Patrick Corbin, Pedro Alvarez, Jeff Locke, Jordan Zimmerman and Clayton Kershaw watch from the dugout at the 2013 MLB All-Star Game on July 16, 2013, at Citi Field in New York.
(Drew Hallowell, Getty Images)
Adrian Gonzalez and Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate after Gonzalez scored the winning run in the ninth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Dodger Stadium on Aug. 9, 2013, in Los Angeles.
(Stephen Dunn, Getty Images)
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw celebrates in the clubhouse after defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks 7-6 to clinch the NL West title at Chase Field on Sept. 19, 2013.
(Rob Schumacher, The Arizona Republic / USA TODAY Sports)
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers receives an ovation as he leaves the game with a 10-0 lead over the Colorado Rockies during the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium on Sept. 27, 2013, in Los Angeles.
(Harry How, Getty Images)
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches against the Atlanta Braves during Game 1 of the NLDS at Turner Field on Oct. 3, 2013, in Atlanta.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
Kenley Jansen and Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate after defeating the Atlanta Braves 4-3 in Game 4 of the 2013 NLDS at Dodger Stadium on Oct. 7, 2013, in Los Angeles.
(Stephen Dunn, Getty Images)
Los Angeles Dodgers pitching coach Rick Honeycutt comes out to talk with starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw and catcher A.J. Ellis during the third inning in Game 6 of the 2013 NLCS against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on Oct. 18, 2013.
(Jeff Curry, USA TODAY Sports)
Los Angeles Dodgers players Clayton Kershaw and Adrian Gonzalez celebrate with Chone Figgins after he scored the winning run on a walk-off single by Carl Crawford in the 10th inning against the Detroit Tigers at Dodger Stadium on April 8, 2014.
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports)
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw celebrates after recording the final out of his no-hitter against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium on June 18, 2014. The Dodgers won 8-0.
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw celebrates with teammates after recording the final out of his no-hitter against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium on June 18, 2014. The Dodgers won 8-0.
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw celebrates after recording the final out of his no-hitter against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium on June 18, 2014. The Dodgers won 8-0.
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw celebrates after recording the final out of his no-hitter against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium on June 18, 2014. The Dodgers won 8-0.
Los Angeles Dodgers All-Stars Clayton Kershaw, Zack Greinke, Dee Gordon and Yasiel Puig pose with National League jerseys before the game against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium on July 11, 2014.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw has champagne poured on him following the Dodgers' 9-1 victory over the San Francisco Giants to win the NL West at Dodger Stadium on Sept. 24, 2014, in Los Angeles.
(Jeff Gross, Getty Images)
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw reacts in the dugout during the seventh inning of Game 1 of the 2014 NLDS against the St. Louis Cardinals at Dodger Stadium on Oct. 3, 2014, in Los Angeles.
(Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images)
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw reacts after giving up a three-run home run to St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Matt Adams in the seventh inning during Game 4 of the 2014 NLDS at Busch Stadium on Oct. 7, 2014.
(Jeff Curry, USA TODAY Sports)
National League All-Stars Clayton Kershaw, Joc Pederson and Bryce Harper warm up prior to the 86th MLB All-Star Game at the Great American Ball Park on July 14, 2015, in Cincinnati.
(Rob Carr, Getty Images)
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers is sprayed with champagne after the Dodgers defeated the San Francisco Giants 8-0 to clinch the NL West at AT&T Park on Sept. 29, 2015, in San Francisco.
(Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images)
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw leaves the field after becoming the 11th player in MLB history with 300 strikeouts in a single season on Oct 4, 2015.
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports)
New York Mets starting pitcher Jacob deGrom is out at first against the tag of Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw in the third inning in Game 1 of the 2015 NLDS at Dodger Stadium on Oct. 9, 2015.
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports)
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw talks on the dugout telephone during the MLB game against the Los Angeles Angels at Dodger Stadium on May 16, 2016.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers and daughter Cali Ann Kershaw stand on the field during the T-Mobile Home Run Derby at PETCO Park on July 11, 2016, in San Diego.
(Denis Poroy, Getty Images)
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts in the dugout after being pulled in the seventh inning against the Washington Nationals during Game 4 of the 2016 NLDS at Dodger Stadium on Oct. 11, 2016, in Los Angeles.
(Jeff Gross, Getty Images)
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates with teammate Carlos Ruiz after winning Game 5 of the 2016 NLDS over the Washington Nationals 4-3 at Nationals Park on Oct. 13, 2016, in Washington.
(Rob Carr, Getty Images)
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks at third base in the first inning against the Chicago Cubs during Game 6 of the 2016 NLCS at Wrigley Field on Oct. 22, 2016, in Chicago.
(Jonathan Daniel, Getty Images)
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws his 2,000th career strikeout during the third inning of a game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on June 2, 2017, in Milwaukee.
(Stacy Revere, Getty Images)
National League All-Star Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers holds his daughter Cali Ann Kershaw during the T-Mobile Home Run Derby at Marlins Park on July 10, 2017, in Miami.
(Rob Carr, Getty Images)
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers takes the field before the first inning against the Houston Astros in Game 1 of the 2017 World Series at Dodger Stadium on Oct. 24, 2017, in Los Angeles.
(Ezra Shaw, Getty Images)
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts as he exits the game during the fifth inning against the Houston Astros in Game 5 of the 2017 World Series at Minute Maid Park on Oct. 29, 2017, in Houston.
(Jamie Squire, Getty Images)
Manny Machado, Matt Kemp, Alex Verdugo, Clayton Kershaw and Chase Utley of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate while waiting for Chris Taylor at home plate after Taylor's walk-off home run against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium on Sept. 18, 2018, in Los Angeles.
(Harry How, Getty Images)
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw celebrates with teammates after defeating the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 7 of the 2018 NLCS at Miller Park on Oct. 20, 2018.
(Benny Sieu, USA TODAY Sports)
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw throws a pitch in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox in Game 1 of the 2018 World Series at Fenway Park in Boston on Oct. 23, 2018.
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after allowing a sixth-inning home run to Mookie Betts of the Boston Red Sox in Game 5 of the 2018 World Series at Dodger Stadium on Oct. 28, 2018 in Los Angeles.
(Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images)
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers and teammates celebrate in the clubhouse after defeating the Baltimore Orioles and clinching the NL West at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Sept. 10, 2019, in Baltimore.
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw reacts in the dugout during the eighth inning in Game 5 of the 2019 NLDS against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium on Oct. 9, 2019.
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports)
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers prepares to pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning in Game 5 of the 2020 World Series at Globe Life Field on Oct. 25, 2020, in Arlington, Texas.
(Rob Carr, Getty Images)
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates with the World Series trophy after defeating the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1 in Game 6 to win the 2020 World Series at Globe Life Field on Oct. 27, 2020, in Arlington, Texas.
(Tom Pennington, Getty Images)
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw holds his son Cooper Kershaw and the Commissioner's Trophy after the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Tampa Bay Rays to win the World Series in Game 6 at Globe Life Field on Oct. 27, 2020.
(Tim Heitman, USA TODAY Sports)
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw celebrates after receiving his World Series championship ring during the 2020 World Series ceremony against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium on April 9, 2021.
(Kelvin Kuo, USA TODAY Sports)
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw shakes hands with President Joe Biden during a celebration of the team's 2020 World Series championship in the East Room of the White House on July 2, 2021, in Washington.
(Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images)
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches in the first inning during the 92nd MLB All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium on July 19, 2022, in Los Angeles.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
From left to right: Joey Gallo, Craig Kimbrel, Cody Bellinger, Max Muncy, Chris Taylor and Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers pose together in the locker room after defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on Sept. 13, 2022, to win the NL West.
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after making the third out against the New York Mets in the seventh inning at Dodger Stadium on April 18, 2023, in Los Angeles. Kershaw recorded his 200th career win in the victory.
(Ronald Martinez, Getty Images)
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after giving up a home run to Gabriel Moreno of the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning during Game 1 of the NLDS at Dodger Stadium on Oct. 7, 2023, in Los Angeles.
(Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images)
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers and his family celebrate after the Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees 7-6 in Game 5 to win the 2024 World Series at Yankee Stadium on Oct. 30, 2024, in New York.
(Alex Slitz, Getty Images)
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates with the Commissioner's Trophy during the 2024 World Series celebration at Dodger Stadium on Nov. 1, 2024, in Los Angeles.
(Ronald Martinez, Getty Images)
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers after receiving his 2024 World Series championship ring at Dodger Stadium on March 28, 2025, in Los Angeles.
(Harry How, Getty Images)
President Donald Trump shakes hands with Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw as Trump hosts the 2024 World Series champions in the East Room of the White House on April 7, 2025, in Washington.
(Kevin Dietsch, Getty Images)
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates after striking out Vinny Capra of the Chicago White Sox during the sixth inning to record his 3,000th career strikeout, at Dodger Stadium on July 2, 2025, in Los Angeles.
Clayton Kershaw and Freddie Freeman of the Los Angeles Dodgers embrace after Kershaw was removed from the game during the second inning of the 2025 MLB All-Star Game at Truist Park on July 15, 2025, in Atlanta.
(Jamie Squire, Getty Images)
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers smiles in the dugout prior to a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field on Aug. 2, 2025, in Tampa, Florida.
(Kelly Gavin, Getty Images)
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani and pitcher Clayton Kershaw celebrate their 10-2 victory over the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on Sept. 14, 2025.
(D. Ross Cameron, D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images)
1
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
USA Team All-Star Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches against the World Team during the XM Satellite Radio All-Star Futures Game at AT&T Park on July 8, 2007, in San Francisco.
(Jed Jacobsohn, Getty Images)
1
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
USA Team All-Star Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches against the World Team during the XM Satellite Radio All-Star Futures Game at AT&T Park on July 8, 2007, in San Francisco.
(Jed Jacobsohn, Getty Images)
2
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws a pitch in his MLB debut against the St. Louis Cardinals at Dodger Stadium on May 25, 2008, in Los Angeles.
(Jeff Gross, Getty Images)
3
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Los Angeles Dodgers starter Clayton Kershaw pitches in the sixth inning in his MLB debut against the St. Louis Cardinals at Dodger Stadium on May 25, 2008. The Dodgers defeated the Cardinals 4-3 in 10 innings.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)
4
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Joe Torre pats starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw on the back as he relieves him in the eighth inning with catcher Russell Martin standing by against the San Diego Padres on Sept. 2, 2008, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.
(Stephen Dunn, Getty Images)
5
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw throws from the mound against the San Diego Padres during their MLB game on April 9, 2009, at Petco Park in San Diego.
(Donald Miralle, Getty Images)
6
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates an Orlando Hudson at-bat resulting in a fielder's choice and error to score Mark Loretta with the bases loaded in the 11th inning against the New York Mets at Dodger Stadium on May 18, 2009, in Los Angeles.
(Harry How, Getty Images)
7
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw pitches in the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on June 21, 2009.
(Gary A. Vasquez, USA TODAY Sports)
8
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw celebrates after the game with the Colorado Rockies on Oct. 3, 2009, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. The Dodgers won 5-0 to clinch the National League West.
(Stephen Dunn, Getty Images)
9
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw on the mound against the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 2 of the 2009 NLDS at Dodger Stadium on Oct. 8, 2009, in Los Angeles.
(Jeff Gross, Getty Images)
10
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw signs balls for fans of the St. Louis Cardinals before a 2009 NLDS game at Busch Stadium on Oct. 10, 2009, in St Louis.
11
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw is pulled from the game during the fifth inning of Game 1 of the 2009 NLCS against the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium on Oct. 15, 2009.
(Christopher Hanewinckel, USA TODAY Sports)
12
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw lays down a bunt in the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium on May 9, 2010.
(Gary A. Vasquez, USA TODAY Sports)
13
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Los Angeles Dodgers hitting coach Jeff Pentland in the dugout with players Reed Johnson, A.J. Ellis, Clayton Kershaw, Brad Ausmus and Scott Podsednik during the game against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium on Sept. 5, 2010.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)
14
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates with catcher Rod Barajas after defeating the San Francisco Giants during a game at AT&T Park on Sept. 14, 2010, in San Francisco.
15
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw in the dugout after he is pulled in the ninth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium on April 21, 2011. The Dodgers won 5-3 in the 12th inning.
16
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw and center fielder Matt Kemp celebrate after Kershaw's complete game shutout against the Detroit Tigers on June 20, 2011, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.
17
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
From left to right: National League All-Stars Pablo Sandoval, Justin Upton, Starlin Castro and Clayton Kershaw celebrate after defeating the American League in the 2011 MLB All-Star Game at Chase Field on July 12, 2011.
(Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)
18
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Catcher Rod Barajas of the Los Angeles Dodgers argues with home plate umpire Bill Welke after pitcher Clayton Kershaw was thrown out of the game for hitting Gerardo Parra of the Arizona Diamondbacks with a pitch at Dodger Stadium on Sept. 14, 2011, in Los Angeles.
(Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images)
19
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw prepares to deliver a pitch against the San Francisco Giants in the first inning at AT&T Park on Sept. 9, 2011.
(Cary Edmondson, USA TODAY Sports)
20
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw and wife Ellen Kershaw pose for a photo at a press conference at Dodger Stadium to discuss their book on Jan. 17, 2012.
21
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Pitcher Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers is presented the National League Cy Young Award plaque by former Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela prior to the start of the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Dodger Stadium on April 11, 2012 in Los Angeles.
22
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Andre Ethier, Clayton Kershaw and Matt Kemp of the Los Angeles Dodgers pose with their 2011 Gold Gloves before the game against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium on April 13, 2012, in Los Angeles.
23
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Matt Kemp of the Los Angeles Dodgers receives a high-five from Clayton Kershaw after hitting a two-run home run in the first inning against the Houston Astros on April 20, 2012, at Minute Maid Park in Houston.
(Bob Levey, Getty Images)
24
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
National League All-Star pitcher Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers talks with catcher Buster Posey of the San Francisco Giants and pitching coach Dave Duncan during the fifth inning of the 2012 MLB All-Star Game at Kauffman Stadium on July 10, 2012.
(H. Darr Beiser, USA TODAY Sports)
25
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw, relief pitcher Kenley Jansen and right fielder Andre Ethier celebrate with third baseman Hanley Ramirez after Ramirez hit a walk-off single against the Chicago Cubs at Dodger Stadium on Aug. 5, 2012.
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports)
26
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers signs autographs before the MLB game against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field on Aug. 19, 2012, in Atlanta.
(Scott Cunningham, Getty Images)
27
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw throws a pitch in the third inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on Sept. 11, 2012. (Editors note: Multiple exposure image)
(Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports)
28
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw is awarded the Roberto Clemente Award by commissioner Bud Selig and MLB goodwill ambassador Vera Clemente prior to Game 4 of the 2012 World Series between the San Francisco Giants and the Detroit Tigers on Oct. 28, 2012.
(Rick Osentoski, USA TODAY Sports)
29
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw rounds the bases after a solo home run in the eighth inning of the game against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium on April 1, 2013.
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports)
30
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Matt Kemp pours a bucket of ice water on starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw as he is being interviewed by Fox Sports West reporter Jim Watson after the game against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium on April 1, 2013.
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports)
31
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Los Angeles Dodgers fans cheer starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw as he is relieved in the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium on May 14, 2013.
(Gary A. Vasquez, USA TODAY Sports)
32
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
National League All-Stars Patrick Corbin, Pedro Alvarez, Jeff Locke, Jordan Zimmerman and Clayton Kershaw watch from the dugout at the 2013 MLB All-Star Game on July 16, 2013, at Citi Field in New York.
(Drew Hallowell, Getty Images)
33
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Adrian Gonzalez and Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate after Gonzalez scored the winning run in the ninth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Dodger Stadium on Aug. 9, 2013, in Los Angeles.
(Stephen Dunn, Getty Images)
34
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw celebrates in the clubhouse after defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks 7-6 to clinch the NL West title at Chase Field on Sept. 19, 2013.
(Rob Schumacher, The Arizona Republic / USA TODAY Sports)
35
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers receives an ovation as he leaves the game with a 10-0 lead over the Colorado Rockies during the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium on Sept. 27, 2013, in Los Angeles.
(Harry How, Getty Images)
36
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches against the Atlanta Braves during Game 1 of the NLDS at Turner Field on Oct. 3, 2013, in Atlanta.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
37
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Kenley Jansen and Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate after defeating the Atlanta Braves 4-3 in Game 4 of the 2013 NLDS at Dodger Stadium on Oct. 7, 2013, in Los Angeles.
(Stephen Dunn, Getty Images)
38
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Los Angeles Dodgers pitching coach Rick Honeycutt comes out to talk with starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw and catcher A.J. Ellis during the third inning in Game 6 of the 2013 NLCS against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on Oct. 18, 2013.
(Jeff Curry, USA TODAY Sports)
39
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Los Angeles Dodgers players Clayton Kershaw and Adrian Gonzalez celebrate with Chone Figgins after he scored the winning run on a walk-off single by Carl Crawford in the 10th inning against the Detroit Tigers at Dodger Stadium on April 8, 2014.
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports)
40
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw celebrates after recording the final out of his no-hitter against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium on June 18, 2014. The Dodgers won 8-0.
41
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw celebrates with teammates after recording the final out of his no-hitter against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium on June 18, 2014. The Dodgers won 8-0.
42
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw celebrates after recording the final out of his no-hitter against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium on June 18, 2014. The Dodgers won 8-0.
43
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw celebrates after recording the final out of his no-hitter against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium on June 18, 2014. The Dodgers won 8-0.
44
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Los Angeles Dodgers All-Stars Clayton Kershaw, Zack Greinke, Dee Gordon and Yasiel Puig pose with National League jerseys before the game against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium on July 11, 2014.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)
45
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw has champagne poured on him following the Dodgers' 9-1 victory over the San Francisco Giants to win the NL West at Dodger Stadium on Sept. 24, 2014, in Los Angeles.
(Jeff Gross, Getty Images)
46
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw reacts in the dugout during the seventh inning of Game 1 of the 2014 NLDS against the St. Louis Cardinals at Dodger Stadium on Oct. 3, 2014, in Los Angeles.
(Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images)
47
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw reacts after giving up a three-run home run to St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Matt Adams in the seventh inning during Game 4 of the 2014 NLDS at Busch Stadium on Oct. 7, 2014.
(Jeff Curry, USA TODAY Sports)
48
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
National League All-Stars Clayton Kershaw, Joc Pederson and Bryce Harper warm up prior to the 86th MLB All-Star Game at the Great American Ball Park on July 14, 2015, in Cincinnati.
(Rob Carr, Getty Images)
49
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers is sprayed with champagne after the Dodgers defeated the San Francisco Giants 8-0 to clinch the NL West at AT&T Park on Sept. 29, 2015, in San Francisco.
(Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images)
50
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw leaves the field after becoming the 11th player in MLB history with 300 strikeouts in a single season on Oct 4, 2015.
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports)
51
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
New York Mets starting pitcher Jacob deGrom is out at first against the tag of Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw in the third inning in Game 1 of the 2015 NLDS at Dodger Stadium on Oct. 9, 2015.
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports)
52
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw talks on the dugout telephone during the MLB game against the Los Angeles Angels at Dodger Stadium on May 16, 2016.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)
53
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers and daughter Cali Ann Kershaw stand on the field during the T-Mobile Home Run Derby at PETCO Park on July 11, 2016, in San Diego.
(Denis Poroy, Getty Images)
54
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts in the dugout after being pulled in the seventh inning against the Washington Nationals during Game 4 of the 2016 NLDS at Dodger Stadium on Oct. 11, 2016, in Los Angeles.
(Jeff Gross, Getty Images)
55
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates with teammate Carlos Ruiz after winning Game 5 of the 2016 NLDS over the Washington Nationals 4-3 at Nationals Park on Oct. 13, 2016, in Washington.
(Rob Carr, Getty Images)
56
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks at third base in the first inning against the Chicago Cubs during Game 6 of the 2016 NLCS at Wrigley Field on Oct. 22, 2016, in Chicago.
(Jonathan Daniel, Getty Images)
57
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws his 2,000th career strikeout during the third inning of a game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on June 2, 2017, in Milwaukee.
(Stacy Revere, Getty Images)
58
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
National League All-Star Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers holds his daughter Cali Ann Kershaw during the T-Mobile Home Run Derby at Marlins Park on July 10, 2017, in Miami.
(Rob Carr, Getty Images)
59
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers takes the field before the first inning against the Houston Astros in Game 1 of the 2017 World Series at Dodger Stadium on Oct. 24, 2017, in Los Angeles.
(Ezra Shaw, Getty Images)
60
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts as he exits the game during the fifth inning against the Houston Astros in Game 5 of the 2017 World Series at Minute Maid Park on Oct. 29, 2017, in Houston.
(Jamie Squire, Getty Images)
61
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Manny Machado, Matt Kemp, Alex Verdugo, Clayton Kershaw and Chase Utley of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate while waiting for Chris Taylor at home plate after Taylor's walk-off home run against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium on Sept. 18, 2018, in Los Angeles.
(Harry How, Getty Images)
62
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw celebrates with teammates after defeating the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 7 of the 2018 NLCS at Miller Park on Oct. 20, 2018.
(Benny Sieu, USA TODAY Sports)
63
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw throws a pitch in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox in Game 1 of the 2018 World Series at Fenway Park in Boston on Oct. 23, 2018.
64
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after allowing a sixth-inning home run to Mookie Betts of the Boston Red Sox in Game 5 of the 2018 World Series at Dodger Stadium on Oct. 28, 2018 in Los Angeles.
(Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images)
65
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers and teammates celebrate in the clubhouse after defeating the Baltimore Orioles and clinching the NL West at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Sept. 10, 2019, in Baltimore.
66
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw reacts in the dugout during the eighth inning in Game 5 of the 2019 NLDS against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium on Oct. 9, 2019.
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports)
67
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers prepares to pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning in Game 5 of the 2020 World Series at Globe Life Field on Oct. 25, 2020, in Arlington, Texas.
(Rob Carr, Getty Images)
68
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates with the World Series trophy after defeating the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1 in Game 6 to win the 2020 World Series at Globe Life Field on Oct. 27, 2020, in Arlington, Texas.
(Tom Pennington, Getty Images)
69
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw holds his son Cooper Kershaw and the Commissioner's Trophy after the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Tampa Bay Rays to win the World Series in Game 6 at Globe Life Field on Oct. 27, 2020.
(Tim Heitman, USA TODAY Sports)
70
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw celebrates after receiving his World Series championship ring during the 2020 World Series ceremony against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium on April 9, 2021.
(Kelvin Kuo, USA TODAY Sports)
71
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw shakes hands with President Joe Biden during a celebration of the team's 2020 World Series championship in the East Room of the White House on July 2, 2021, in Washington.
(Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images)
72
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches in the first inning during the 92nd MLB All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium on July 19, 2022, in Los Angeles.
(Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images)
73
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
From left to right: Joey Gallo, Craig Kimbrel, Cody Bellinger, Max Muncy, Chris Taylor and Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers pose together in the locker room after defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on Sept. 13, 2022, to win the NL West.
74
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after making the third out against the New York Mets in the seventh inning at Dodger Stadium on April 18, 2023, in Los Angeles. Kershaw recorded his 200th career win in the victory.
(Ronald Martinez, Getty Images)
75
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after giving up a home run to Gabriel Moreno of the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning during Game 1 of the NLDS at Dodger Stadium on Oct. 7, 2023, in Los Angeles.
(Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images)
76
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers and his family celebrate after the Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees 7-6 in Game 5 to win the 2024 World Series at Yankee Stadium on Oct. 30, 2024, in New York.
(Alex Slitz, Getty Images)
77
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates with the Commissioner's Trophy during the 2024 World Series celebration at Dodger Stadium on Nov. 1, 2024, in Los Angeles.
(Ronald Martinez, Getty Images)
78
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers after receiving his 2024 World Series championship ring at Dodger Stadium on March 28, 2025, in Los Angeles.
(Harry How, Getty Images)
79
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
President Donald Trump shakes hands with Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw as Trump hosts the 2024 World Series champions in the East Room of the White House on April 7, 2025, in Washington.
(Kevin Dietsch, Getty Images)
80
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates after striking out Vinny Capra of the Chicago White Sox during the sixth inning to record his 3,000th career strikeout, at Dodger Stadium on July 2, 2025, in Los Angeles.
81
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Clayton Kershaw and Freddie Freeman of the Los Angeles Dodgers embrace after Kershaw was removed from the game during the second inning of the 2025 MLB All-Star Game at Truist Park on July 15, 2025, in Atlanta.
(Jamie Squire, Getty Images)
82
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers smiles in the dugout prior to a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field on Aug. 2, 2025, in Tampa, Florida.
(Kelly Gavin, Getty Images)
83
/83
Clayton Kershaw: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series champion, 3-time Cy Young winner
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani and pitcher Clayton Kershaw celebrate their 10-2 victory over the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on Sept. 14, 2025.
(D. Ross Cameron, D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images)
Best left-handed pitchers of all-time, by WAR
1. Lefty Grove
-
WAR: 113.2
-
Years played: 1925–1941
-
Teams: Philadelphia Athletics , Boston Red Sox
-
Stats: 300 wins, 3.06 ERA, 2,266 strikeouts in 3,940⅔ innings
-
Accolades: AL MVP in 1931, won ERA title nine times
2. Randy Johnson
-
WAR: 103.5
-
Years played: 1988-2009
-
Teams: Montreal Expos, Seattle Mariners , Houston Astros , Arizona Diamondbacks , New York Yankees , San Francisco Giants
-
Stats: 303 wins, 3.29 ERA, 4,875 strikeouts in 4,135⅓ innings
-
Accolades: Five-time Cy Young Award winner, World Series MVP in 2001
3. Warren Spahn
-
WAR: 92.6
-
Years played: 1942-65
-
Teams: Braves, New York Mets , San Francisco Giants
-
Stats: 363 wins, 3.09 ERA, 2,583 strikeouts, 5,243⅔ innings
-
Accolades: 1957 Cy Young Award winner, 17-time All-Star
4. Eddie Plank
-
WAR: 88.0
-
Years played: 1901-1917
-
Teams: Philadelphia Athletics, St. Louis Browns
-
Stats: 326 wins, 2.35 ERA, 2,246 strikeouts, 4,495⅔ innings
-
Accolades: Three-time World Series champion.
5. Steve Carlton
-
WAR: 84.1
-
Years played:
-
Teams: Philadelphia Phillies , St. Louis Cardinals , Minnesota Twins , Cleveland , Chicago White Sox , San Francisco Giants
-
Stats: 329 wins, 3.22 ERA, 4,136 strikeouts, 5,217⅔ innings
-
Accolades: Four-time Cy Young Award winner, two-time World Series champion
6. Clayton Kershaw
Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) delivers a pitch against the Giants in the first inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Sept. 13, 2025.
-
WAR: 77.9 (as of Sept. 18, 2025)
-
Years played: 2008-2025
-
Teams: Los Angeles Dodgers
-
Stats: 222 wins, 2.54 ERA, 3,039 strikeouts, 2844⅔ innings
-
Accolades: Three-time Cy Young Award winners, 2014 NL MVP, five-time ERA title, two-time World Series champion
7. Tom Glavine
-
WAR: 74.0
-
Years played: 1987-2008
-
Teams: Atlanta Braves , New York Mets
-
Stats: 305 wins, 3.54 ERA, 2,607 strikeouts, 4,413⅓ innings
-
Accolades: Two-time Cy Young winner, five-time league leader in wins, 10-time All-Star, World Series MVP in 1995
8. Carl Hubbell
-
WAR: 68.8
-
Years played: 1928-1943
-
Teams: New York Giants
-
Stats: 253 wins, 2.98 ERA, 1,677 strikeouts, 3,590⅓ innings
-
Accolades: NL MVP in 1933 and 1936, nine-time All-Star, three-time ERA title, World Series winner
9. Tommy John
-
WAR: 62.1
-
Years played: 1963-1989
-
Teams: New York Yankees , Los Angeles Dodgers , Chicago White Sox , Cleveland, California Angels , Oakland Athletics
-
Stats: 288 wins, 3.34 ERA, 2,245 strikeouts, 4,710⅓ innings
-
Accolades: Four-time All-Star, three-time league leader in shutouts
10. CC Sabathia
-
WAR: 61.8
-
Years played: 2001-2019
-
Teams: Cleveland, Milwaukee Brewers , New York Yankees
-
Stats: 251 wins, 3.74 ERA, 3,093 strikeouts, 3,577⅓ innings
-
Accolades: 2007 Cy Young winner, six-time All-Star, two-time league leader in wins, four-time league leader in shutouts, 2009 ALCS MVP, World Series winner
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who is the best left-handed pitchers in MLB history? Ranking by WAR.
