Dodgers’ Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman Send Final Messages Before Clayton Kershaw Enters Retirement

On New Year’s Eve 2025, as the baseball world reflected on a historic season capped by the Los Angeles Dodgers’ back-to-back World Series titles, the franchise released an emotional tribute video honoring Clayton Kershaw’s retirement. The future Hall of Famer, who announced in September 2025 that the year would be his last, went out on top with his third championship ring after an 18-year career entirely with the Dodgers. In the video, shared across the team’s social media, stars like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Max Muncy, and others delivered heartfelt final messages to No. 22, marking the official close of one of baseball’s most iconic eras.

Kershaw’s retirement, effective January 2026, ends a legendary run that saw him compile three Cy Young Awards, an MVP, a pitching Triple Crown, over 3,000 strikeouts, and now three World Series titles. The tribute captured the deep bonds in the Dodgers clubhouse, with Betts and Freeman—two cornerstones of the current dynasty—leading the send-off.

The Tribute Video: A Clubhouse Farewell

The Dodgers’ official X account posted the video on December 31, 2025, captioned “Special messages to Clayton from the 2025 World Series Champs.” It quickly went viral, amassing millions of views as fans and players alike celebrated Kershaw’s legacy.

Mookie Betts, who joined the Dodgers in 2020 and won two titles alongside Kershaw, spoke first: “Alright 22, you know, it’s been six years, bro. That’s a long time to play with someone like you. You’ve shown me what being a Dodger is supposed to look like. So, I thank you for that. I thank you for just your hard work, your blood, sweat and tears… Good luck in your retirement and I’ll see you on the links soon.”

Betts’ words highlighted Kershaw’s role as a mentor and exemplar of Dodger excellence, bridging the gap between eras.

Freddie Freeman, who competed against Kershaw in the NL East before joining L.A. in 2022, added: “Hey Clayton, first off I just want to say congratulations on a first ballot Hall of Fame career that you’ve had. It’s been an honor to be on the field with you, compete against you, just everything. You’re the epitome of what a great baseball player is. And even better person. I’m going to miss your singing voice in the weight room. Shirtless Sundays. Being in the tube with you 40,000 feet up in the air… Just miss you.”

Freeman’s message blended admiration for Kershaw’s on-field dominance with affection for his quirky personality, evoking laughs and tears from viewers.

Other contributors included Max Muncy, pitchers like Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Tyler Glasnow, all praising Kershaw’s leadership, competitiveness, and humanity. Snell called getting to know him “a blessing,” while Yamamoto expressed gratitude for two special years together.

Kershaw’s Perfect Ending: From Announcement to Championship

Kershaw’s retirement journey began emotionally on September 18, 2025, when he announced in a packed press conference—surrounded by family, teammates, and staff—that 2025 would be his final season. “I’m going to call it. I’m going to retire,” he said, voice cracking. “I’m at peace with it. I think it’s the right time.”

The decision came after years of battling injuries, including shoulder surgery that limited him in prior seasons. Kershaw wanted to go out on his terms, as a Dodger, and ideally as a champion.

He delivered. Despite a regular-season ERA around 3.50, Kershaw contributed key innings in the postseason, including a clutch relief appearance in the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays. His final pitch induced a groundout that helped preserve a lead, symbolizing his career-long resilience.

The Dodgers’ repeat title—defeating the Blue Jays in a thrilling series—gave Kershaw his third ring (2020, 2024, 2025), silencing any remaining debates about his playoff legacy.

A Hall of Fame Career in Blue

Kershaw’s stats speak for themselves:

• 210-92 record (second pitcher ever with 200+ wins and under 100 losses upon retirement)
• 2.48 ERA (best among starters in live-ball era minimum 1,000 innings)
• 3,077 strikeouts
• 2014 NL MVP and Triple Crown
• Three Cy Youngs (2011, 2013, 2014)
• 10 All-Star selections
• Lifetime Dodger: Every pitch, every milestone in L.A.

He joins Sandy Koufax as the franchise’s greatest left-handers, with a statue likely awaiting outside Dodger Stadium.

Off the field, Kershaw and wife Ellen’s charity work through Kershaw’s Challenge has impacted countless lives, adding to his legacy as a class act.

Teammates’ Reflections: More Than a Pitcher

The messages underscored Kershaw’s clubhouse impact. Betts learned what it means to be a Dodger from him. Freeman called him the “epitome” of greatness on and off the field.

Even former teammates like Justin Turner chimed in: “It was really cool” to see Kershaw retire as a champion.

Pitchers like Snell and Glasnow credited him for mentorship, while Yamamoto treasured their shared titles.

Looking Ahead: Kershaw’s Post-Playing Life

Kershaw declined an immediate front-office role to focus on family—wife Ellen and their four children. But he left the door open for future involvement with the Dodgers, perhaps as an advisor.

Eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2031, Kershaw is a lock for first-ballot enshrinement, likely unanimous.

As 2026 dawns, the Dodgers aim for a three-peat without their ace, but his spirit endures. The tribute video wasn’t goodbye—it’s thank you to a legend.