For nearly two decades, Padres fans have lived with the shadow of Clayton Kershaw looming over the NL West. Every trip to Dodger Stadium felt like a guaranteed date with the future Hall of Famer, and every matchup came with that familiar pit in the stomach — could San Diego finally break through this time? Now, with Kershaw officially announcing he will retire at the end of the 2025 season, the rivalry takes on a bittersweet note. Padres fans won’t miss the dominance, but they’ll recognize the gravity of what it means to see one of baseball’s greatest pitchers step away.
Clayton Kershaw’s retirement closes a chapter in Padres-Dodgers rivalry
