Dave Roberts Continues to Praise Dodgers Legend Clayton Kershaw Despite Knowing His Hall of Fame Prime Years Are Long Behind Him
Clayton Kershaw has already etched his name in baseball history. A three-time Cy Young Award winner, National League MVP, and one of the most dominant pitchers of his generation, Kershaw’s legacy is secure. He will go to Cooperstown on the first ballot. His No. 22 jersey will one day hang permanently at Dodger Stadium. Yet in 2025, Kershaw is no longer the overpowering ace he once was. His velocity has dipped, injuries have become more frequent, and his outings are often limited and carefully managed. Still, despite all of that, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts continues to sing Kershaw’s praises—publicly, sincerely, and without hesitation.
And that speaks volumes.
There’s a deep respect that flows between Roberts and Kershaw, forged over years of shared success, setbacks, and countless October battles. But it’s not just nostalgia that drives Roberts’ unwavering belief in his longtime ace. It’s what Kershaw still means to the team—on the mound, in the clubhouse, and as a living embodiment of the Dodgers’ identity.
Kershaw, now 37 years old and coming off shoulder surgery, returned to the mound in mid-2025 with modest expectations. No one expected vintage Kershaw. The fastball doesn’t touch 95 mph anymore. The curveball, while still deceptive, doesn’t have quite the same bite. But what remains is the fierce competitiveness, pinpoint control, and unmatched baseball IQ. Roberts has made it clear that as long as Kershaw is healthy and willing to pitch, he has a place on the roster—not out of sentiment, but out of belief.
“Clayton still gives us a chance to win every time he takes the ball,” Roberts said recently. “He’s not the same pitcher he was in 2014, but he doesn’t need to be. He’s evolved, and he knows how to get outs.”
That evolution is part of what has kept Kershaw effective well into his mid-to-late 30s. He’s no longer blowing hitters away. Instead, he’s out-thinking them, out-working them, and out-competing them. He locates pitches with surgical precision. He changes speeds, reads swings, and adapts mid-inning. There’s a beauty in the way he’s transitioned from a fireballing ace to a savvy veteran who understands every nuance of the game.
Roberts, a former player himself, understands how rare that transformation is. Most pitchers fall off quickly once the physical tools fade. But Kershaw’s continued relevance is a testament to his preparation, his mental sharpness, and his pride. And that pride—balanced by humility—is what makes Roberts’ admiration even deeper.
“He never cuts corners,” Roberts said. “Even when he’s on the injured list, he’s here every day, supporting the guys, working with our younger pitchers, being a presence. That’s leadership.”
Indeed, Kershaw’s influence extends far beyond the box score. Young pitchers like Bobby Miller, Gavin Stone, and Emmet Sheehan have all credited Kershaw with helping them transition to the big leagues. Whether it’s breaking down video, offering advice between innings, or simply showing them how to conduct themselves professionally, Kershaw has become a mentor and teacher—without ever asking for that title.
When Roberts praises Kershaw, he isn’t merely honoring past accomplishments. He’s recognizing continued value. Kershaw’s ERA might not be sub-2.00 anymore, and he might not throw 200 innings in a season again, but his consistency in short bursts, his intelligence, and his influence still elevate the Dodgers.
There’s also the emotional layer that can’t be quantified. Kershaw has been with the Dodgers since 2008. Through heartbreaks, near-misses, and a long-awaited World Series title in 2020, he’s been the face of the franchise. For fans, he represents stability and excellence. For Roberts, he represents loyalty and resilience.
That emotional bond becomes even more important as Kershaw’s career nears its end. Roberts has managed Kershaw through his prime, through injuries, and through October ups and downs. They’ve shared press conference tables after playoff heartbreaks and exchanged hugs after series wins. It’s no surprise, then, that Roberts gets emotional when talking about Kershaw’s journey.
“Clayton has given everything to this organization,” Roberts said. “He’s battled through injuries, pitched on short rest, done everything we’ve asked and more. When you talk about what it means to be a Dodger, you start with him.”
Still, Roberts is not blind to reality. He knows Kershaw’s best days are in the rearview mirror. There are younger arms now who can throw harder, last longer, and eat more innings. And yet, when the moment gets big—whether it’s a must-win game or a crucial stretch—Roberts still trusts Kershaw to take the mound. It’s about more than performance. It’s about presence.
There’s a calm that settles over the team when Kershaw pitches. Even if he’s not striking out ten batters, there’s a belief that he’ll find a way to keep the game close. His determination sets a tone. His focus is contagious. And that’s why, even in 2025, Roberts continues to lean on his veteran left-hander.
That trust hasn’t always gone unchallenged. Roberts has faced criticism in the past for how he’s handled Kershaw in big games. There have been controversial decisions to leave him in too long, or to bring him in out of the bullpen in tight postseason moments. And yet, through it all, Roberts has stood by Kershaw—not out of blind loyalty, but out of earned respect.
There’s also the issue of how to balance sentiment with strategy. In a data-driven era where front offices lean heavily on analytics, there’s less room for emotion-based decisions. But Roberts has found a way to merge the two. He respects the numbers, yes. But he also respects the heartbeat of his clubhouse. And as long as Kershaw’s heart is still in the game, Roberts believes he deserves a role.
“He’s earned the right to go out on his terms,” Roberts said. “Not many guys get to do that. He’s one of the few who should.”
Kershaw himself has never demanded special treatment. In fact, he’s often harder on himself than anyone else could be. He’s the first to admit when he doesn’t have his best stuff. He holds himself to the same high standard that made him an all-time great. That self-awareness has only strengthened Roberts’ trust.
It’s a rare relationship between manager and player—rooted in shared battles, mutual respect, and a deep understanding of what it takes to win. Roberts, as a former journeyman player who fought to stay in the league, appreciates greatness when he sees it. And Kershaw, as a lifelong competitor, appreciates a manager who has always believed in him.
Their dynamic is something special. In an age of transactional rosters and quick turnarounds, the bond between Roberts and Kershaw is a reminder of the human side of the game. It’s not just about what a player can give you today—it’s about who he is, what he’s meant, and how he continues to impact everyone around him.
So while Kershaw’s stat lines may no longer dominate headlines, his presence remains invaluable. And Dave Roberts will continue to praise him—not because of past awards, but because of present value. Because even in a limited role, Kershaw matters. To the team. To the fans. And to the manager who’s been with him every step of the way.
In the end, Kershaw’s legacy isn’t just about strikeouts and Cy Youngs. It’s about leadership, loyalty, and lasting impact. And for Dave Roberts, there’s no metric that measures what Kershaw has meant to the Dodgers—but he sees it every single day.
And that’s why, even with his prime in the past, Clayton Kershaw remains a cornerstone of the Dodgers—and a source of constant admiration from his manager.
