Table of Contents
Clayton Kershaw is widely regarded as one of the greatest pitchers in Major League Baseball history. His career has been marked by exceptional performances and numerous accolades. In this article, we will break down Kershaw’s best seasons, highlighting his achievements and statistical highlights.
Early Career and Breakout Seasons
Kershaw debuted in 2008 with the Los Angeles Dodgers. His breakout season came in 2011, when he established himself as a dominant pitcher. That year, he posted a 2.28 ERA over 212 innings, earning his first Cy Young Award and finishing third in the MVP voting.
Peak Performance Seasons
2014 Season
The 2014 season is often considered Kershaw’s best. He posted a stellar 1.77 ERA over 198 innings, striking out 236 batters. He won his third Cy Young Award and the National League MVP, becoming only the 10th pitcher to win both awards in the same year.
2017 Season
In 2017, Kershaw continued his dominance with a 2.31 ERA over 175 innings. Despite some injury concerns, he led the league in ERA and WHIP, earning his fourth Cy Young Award and helping the Dodgers reach the World Series.
Later Career Highlights
Although injuries have limited his playing time, Kershaw has maintained high performance levels. His 2020 season was particularly impressive, posting a 2.16 ERA over 58 innings in a shortened season, demonstrating his resilience and skill.
Summary of Key Achievements
- Three Cy Young Awards (2011, 2014, 2017)
- National League MVP (2014)
- Multiple All-Star selections
- Consistently low ERA and high strikeout totals
Clayton Kershaw’s career showcases a combination of talent, consistency, and resilience. His peak seasons, especially 2014, solidify his legacy as one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history.