Dustin May Breaks Down in Tears as He Bids Farewell to Dodgers, Leaves Advice and Future Plans for Teammates

Dustin May stood on the edge of the press conference stage, his signature red curls tucked beneath a black Dodgers cap one last time. What was meant to be a simple goodbye turned into an emotional farewell that resonated across the baseball world. Choked with emotion, eyes glistening with unshed tears, May struggled to find the words to encapsulate what the Dodgers, his teammates, and the fans had meant to him. But when he finally spoke, the weight of the moment bore down like gravity, not only on him but on everyone listening.

“This organization raised me,” May began, voice trembling, “and it’s not just a team—it’s been my home. Saying goodbye feels impossible.”

For years, May was more than just a pitcher with an electric fastball. He was a symbol of potential and resilience. Drafted by the Dodgers in 2016, he quickly rose through the minor leagues, dazzling scouts with his movement and mound presence. His debut in 2019 promised a new era of dominance for Los Angeles, and for a while, he delivered. But injuries, most notably his Tommy John surgery in 2021, repeatedly interrupted his ascent. Even so, May remained a fan favorite, not only for his talent but for his humility, work ethic, and unmistakable hair that made him instantly recognizable even to casual fans.

As the Dodgers organization transitions into a new phase—one that includes blockbuster contracts and emerging prospects—May’s departure was as shocking as it was heartbreaking. Rumors had swirled for weeks, but few truly believed the team would part ways with a pitcher who had long been seen as a cornerstone of its future. Yet on this day, with reporters crowding the room and cameras rolling, the reality hit hard.

May’s voice cracked again as he looked down, then back up at the audience. “To everyone who stuck by me through the surgeries, the rehab, the ups and downs—thank you. It meant more than I can say.”

What made the moment even more powerful was the way the fans responded. Outside the stadium gates, dozens had gathered, holding signs with messages like “Forever a Dodger” and “Thank You, Dustin.” On social media, tributes poured in from across the league, from teammates past and present, to fans who grew up watching him evolve. One tweet from fellow pitcher Walker Buehler read, “One of the fiercest competitors I’ve ever known. It hurts to see him go, but proud to have played alongside him.” Another came from Mookie Betts: “Brother for life. Dustin May gave everything to this team—he leaves a legacy we’ll never forget.”

The fans’ emotional response was no surprise. May wasn’t just a player who came and went—he was part of the Dodgers’ DNA over the last several years. Fans watched him battle back from injuries with grit and determination, and in many ways, they saw in him a reflection of their own love for the game: vulnerable but passionate, breakable but brave.

Before leaving the stage, May took a moment to address his teammates directly, knowing they’d be watching even if they weren’t in the room.

“To the guys in that locker room—you’re more than teammates. You’re brothers. Keep pushing, keep fighting. Never let the game change who you are. Be good to the game and it’ll be good to you.”

He went on to specifically mention several players by name, including young pitchers Bobby Miller and Gavin Stone, who he called “the future of this rotation,” and encouraged them to “lean on each other, and don’t be afraid to take the hard road.” May’s advice was heartfelt and specific, touching on the pressure of the spotlight, the importance of mental health, and the value of leaning into one’s support system.

It was that emotional vulnerability that made the farewell all the more poignant. He wasn’t just giving baseball tips—he was passing down wisdom earned the hard way: through surgeries, setbacks, long nights in rehab, and lonely months away from the mound.

As for what’s next, May offered a glimpse into his future, though he stopped short of giving full details.

“I’ve still got more to give to this game. I’m not done,” he said, determination flickering in his tired eyes. “Right now, I’m exploring a couple opportunities that will let me heal up fully, reset, and come back stronger. I’ve always believed that baseball is about timing, and maybe now it’s time for a new chapter.”

When asked if that meant retirement, May quickly shook his head.

“No, this isn’t the end. It’s a new beginning. I’ve had offers from a few teams who believe in what I can still bring, and I’m taking time to figure out what’s the right fit—not just competitively, but personally. I want to be somewhere that believes in second chances and understands the road I’ve walked.”

While he didn’t specify any potential teams, insiders have speculated that several clubs on both coasts have reached out, particularly those looking to rebuild their rotations with experienced, high-upside arms. For May, the next destination seems less about the name on the jersey and more about the right environment—one that values both his talent and his journey.

“I’ll always be a Dodger at heart,” he said in closing, wiping his eyes. “But it’s time to grow in a new direction. I hope wherever I land, I’ll make that fan base proud too.”

As he stepped down from the podium, the room stayed silent for a moment before erupting in applause—not out of obligation, but out of genuine gratitude. In a sport that can often feel transactional and cold, Dustin May reminded everyone that behind every jersey is a human being, trying, failing, and rising again.

The departure marks the end of a meaningful era for both May and the Dodgers. And while his presence will be missed on the mound at Chavez Ravine, it’s clear that his impact—on fans, teammates, and the game itself—will echo long after his last pitch in blue.

His farewell wasn’t a press statement—it was a heartfelt confession, the kind that only comes from someone who truly gave everything to the game he loved. In a world where athletes are often guarded or rehearsed, May showed up with nothing but raw emotion and honesty. And in doing so, he reminded everyone watching why sports matter in the first place—not just for the wins and stats, but for the human stories that unfold in between.

There are few players who can unite a fanbase in shared emotion simply by walking away. Dustin May did just that. And while his next chapter remains unwritten, there’s little doubt that wherever he goes, he’ll carry with him the lessons, the heart, and the unwavering spirit that defined his time in Los Angeles.

He came as a prospect. He leaves as a legend.