Clayton Kershaw officially retired after 18 seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but he will pitch at least one more time in a competitive setting.
The left-hander was named to the Team USA roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, marking the first time he will participate in the event.
Kershaw was primed to be part of the United States roster for the 2023 tournament, but had to back out due to not being able to secure an insurance policy.
Kershaw was extended the opportunity to pitch for Team USA this year by manager Mark DeRosa and felt it was too good to pass up, via Andy McCullough of The Athletic:
“Why not?” Kershaw told The Athletic on Thursday morning after Team USA announced his participation in the upcoming event.
Kershaw has been lightly throwing this offseason to prepare for the 2026 WBC, which begins in March:
“I am throwing just enough to make it for 10 days,” he said. “I’m not pitching this season — so I figured this is the perfect time to try the WBC. I really want to be a part of it.”
Pitching in the WBC is the one thing that has eluded Kershaw, and he will now get the chance to add a gold medal to his Hall of Fame résumé.
His last pitch as a member of the Dodgers helped them escape a bases-loaded jam in the 12th inning of Game 3 of the 2025 World Series.
The United States will play in Pool B for the 2026 WBC, which is scheduled for March 5-17. Team USA is looking to bounce back after losing to Japan in the 2023 championship game.
Team USA pitching staff with Clayton Kershaw
Kershaw is part of a Team USA pitching staff that includes David Bednar, Matthew Boyd, Garrett Cleavinger, Clay Holmes, Griffin Jax, Brad Keller, Nolan McLean, Mason Miller, Joe Ryan, Paul Skenes, Tarik Skubal, Gabe Speier, Logan Webb and Garrett Whitlock.
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