Although Clayton Kershaw announced his retirement after 18 seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the southpaw decided he wasn’t fully done pitching.
Kershaw decided to join Team USA for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, fulfilling a goal he had previously been unable to achieve. Kershaw hoped to pitch in the 2023 WBC, but was unable to secure an insurance policy for it.
Kershaw pitched in one of the exhibition games for USA, but he was on the roster more as a “break glass in case of emergency” option. Nevertheless, Kershaw was excited to be part of Team USA.
But Kershaw’s time with Team USA is coming to an end after one more game. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Kershaw will be removed from the roster after the quarterfinal game on Friday against Canada:
Minnesota Twins starter Joe Ryan will also join the team, replacing Clayton Kershaw after quarterfinals https://t.co/e8waVsSxvs
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) March 12, 2026
Minnesota Twins pitcher and Southern California native Joe Ryan is set to replace Kershaw, and he will start in the final game should USA advance to that point.
Kershaw last pitched 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. He was also warming up in the bullpen during Game 7 and was on the verge of coming in if Yoshinobu Yamamoto had not induced a double play.
In addition, Kershaw warmed up for USA in their game against Italy on Tuesday, but did not enter the game.
Clayton Kershaw at peace with retirement
Kershaw has been happy to be part of the international tournament that takes place every three years, but he confirmed he has no interest in returning to MLB.
The 37-year-old previously said he was accepting of his decision to retire as he wants to spend more time with his family. He and his wife, Ellen, recently welcomed their fifth child together.
The future Hall of Famer will still have a presence in baseball as he was hired by NBC Sports to be a studio analyst for their MLB coverage this season.
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