Clayton Kershaw has never shied away from bold declarations. But during his 18th and final MLB season, the Dodgers legend escalated his rhetoric-calling out not just rival teams, but their owners after pushing a postseason agenda for Los Angeles.
In a candid interview with Jomboy Media, he made clear that anything less than a World Series title amounts to failure: “I’ve said this before, we are so spoiled here,” he said.
“The postseason is supposed to be a foregone conclusion every single year. Doesn’t mean it’s any easier to make it, but we have the talent that we should be there every year.
“Once you get to October, anything can happen. Ultimately, yes, I think we’ll all be disappointed if we don’t win the last game of the year. But I think 29 other teams should have that mindset. And whether that’s a reality or not, that should be the case. That really should.”
Kershaw didn’t stop there, adding: “Maybe that’s their owner’s fault – most likely a lot of them, it is their owner’s fault for not trying. But at the end of the day, that’s why we play this game.”
A stark reminder for MLB franchise owners
With those remarks, Kershaw essentially challenged the complacency of rival franchises, suggesting that an owner’s ambition, or lack thereof, dictates whether a team truly aims for championships.
His message resonated with immediate consequences: just after being added to the Dodgers‘ NLDS roster, his words invigorated the clubhouse while also applying pressure outward.
Los Angeles loaded its bullpen with six lefthanded pitchers, including Kershaw, to prepare for a matchup with Philadelphia’s powerful offense. The move underscored the organization’s commitment to flexibility and depth in pursuit of October glory.
Kershaw‘s critique of other owners reveals a deeper narrative: he expects more than just investment, but also accountability. For much of his career, he has been the symbol of a franchise that consistently spends, competes, and demands parity.
Now, in his swansong, he is using his stature to hold the rest of the league to a similar standard. That standard is backed up by his own career.
Kershaw’s final remaining years in MLB
In 2025, Kershaw re-signed with the Dodgers on a one-year, $7.5 million deal with performance bonuses. After surgery and a slower start, he recorded his 3,000th career strikeout-becoming just the fourth left-handed pitcher to do so with one team. The numbers cement a legacy of excellence.
His positional shift this postseason – transitioning to bullpen duty in the NLDS – reflects both his evolving role and the faith the organization still places in him. The Dodgers, stacked with star talent, clearly believe in giving Kershaw every chance to contribute meaningfully.
Yet his larger message is not about himself. By pointing a finger at 29 other owners, he frames the Dodgers‘ expectations as not just internal, but universal: every franchise should set its goals on the ultimate prize, not merely playoff appearances.
As the postseason unfolds, Kershaw‘s words will be tested. Will the Dodgers’ ambitions match his intensity? Whether others heed his ultimatum or view it as a publicity gambit remains to be seen, but the spotlight he commands ensures it will not go unnoticed.
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