Clayton Kershaw's brief (and epic) All-Star outing might hint at Dodgers retirement

Clayton Kershaw earned an All-Star Game nod in 2025 thanks to MLB's "Legend Pick" and made an appearance in the second inning (after Paul Skenes dominated the first). The Los Angeles Dodgers icon didn't disappoint, either.

Fans were initially frustrated when it was sprung upon them that some pitchers would be mic'd up for the game. Tarik Skubal was in the first inning, and he stumbled to the tune of two earned runs on three hits. Thankfully, Kershaw, the next guy who got the mic, delivered an epic moment.

The left-hander recorded two outs and struck out Vladimir Guerrero Jr., dealing his signature curveball during the at-bat. He tossed just six pitches before being removed from the game in what was an emotional moment. In between, though, he hilariously called out John Smoltz on the broadcast, and he started off hot with his first pitch to Home Run Derby winner Cal Raleigh.

Clayton Kershaw's All-Star Game moment was amazing for Dodgers fans ... but is the end near?

Everybody at home laughed when he told Smoltz that he doesn't throw a cutter. And the fans wanted more. But manager Dave Roberts removed Kershaw from the game after that out, and that's when everybody's eyes started to water.

Smoltz and Joe Davis showered Kershaw with praise. He hugged all the infielders. Roberts told him to keep the ball as he walked off the mound. The fans at Truist Park gave him a standing ovation. Kershaw signed off with "Hey that was fun, guys! Thanks for talking!" as the cheers were heard over the broadcast. Davis finished with "You're the best, 22."

Not to get too sentimental but ... did this moment foreshadow Kershaw hanging up his cleats after the 2025 season? On the one hand, a special All-Star moment for the future Hall of Famer isn't out of the question since he's 37 years old and has been hampered with injuries the last two years.

Then again, Kershaw has alluded to retirement for some time now. The Dodgers won a World Series last year and many thought that would be the end of the road. But he returned for 2025 for what many assumed could be his last hurrah. It's quite possible that he has another year or two left in the tank, but something from this overly wholesome and heartwarming All-Star Game appearance could have Dodgers fans thinking about the reality they've been pushing off for a while now.

We'll enjoy the ride for now, but if Kershaw rides off into the sunet at the conclusion of this season, we'll no doubt be looking back on this foreshadowing moment.