It appears that Los Angeles Dodgers legend, future MLB Hall of Famer, and newly retired Clayton Kershaw has a little more baseball left in his future. Kershaw announced that he will play for Team USA in the upcoming 2026 World Baseball Classic.
CLAYTON KERSHAW!
The three-time World Series champ, 11-time All-Star, three-time NL Cy Young Award winner, and 2014 NL MVP will suit up one last time for Team USA at the World Baseball Classic! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/CnUnpa1oeH
— USA Baseball (@USABaseball) January 15, 2026
Kershaw has achieved many milestones in his illustrious career, but this will be his first appearance in the WBC. He did not play in 2023 because of insurance reasons. Now that he is retired, there is no need for insurance or concerns about being ready for opening day.
The 37-year-old native Texan will be on opposing teams against some of his closest and most talented Dodgers teammates, including Shohei Ohtani.
This begs the question of how Kershaw will approach pitching to Ohtani, should the circumstance arise.
Kershaw, never at a loss for words or the right words, had the best answer.
What Clayton Kershaw Said About Facing Shohei Ohtani
Clayton Kershaw admitted that “something will have gone terribly wrong” if he is facing Team Japan with the goal of getting Ohtani out. Kershaw said Team USA has “plenty of guys to get that guy out. Not me.”
He recognizes his role is as an emergency left arm, a role that he played beautifully in the World Series in getting the Dodgers out of a bases loaded potential disaster without giving up a run.
Clayton Kershaw entered World Series Game 3 in the 12th inning with the bases loaded, two outs and the score tied.
The veteran recorded a huge out in what would be his final MLB appearance! 👏 https://t.co/oyu5X2FA79 pic.twitter.com/3o61nV7BP9
— MLB (@MLB) November 4, 2025
Clayton Kershaw will suit up for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.
That should be fun. pic.twitter.com/IXaWPBanMf
— Dodgers Territory (@LADTerritory) January 15, 2026
Kershaw will be an excellent leader in the dugout and the bullpen.
The World Baseball Classic kicks off on March 5, 2026.
