Clayton Kershaw isn’t quite done with the mound just yet. The Dodgers legend, who wrapped up his storied MLB career at the end of the 2025 season, is suiting up one more time - this time for Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
It’s a fitting final chapter for one of the most accomplished pitchers of his generation. Kershaw’s inclusion gives Team USA’s rotation a major boost, joining a staff that already features both reigning Cy Young winners: Tarik Skubal from Detroit and Paul Skenes out of Pittsburgh. That’s a formidable trio, and Kershaw’s presence adds not just talent, but experience, leadership, and a sense of unfinished business.
This isn’t Kershaw’s first attempt to represent his country on the WBC stage. He had planned to pitch in the 2023 tournament but had to pull out due to complications with insurance coverage.
At the time, he called it “probably my last chance” to don the red, white, and blue. Turns out, he’s getting one more.
Team USA is looking to build on a runner-up finish in 2023, and Kershaw’s return to international competition brings both narrative weight and competitive edge. Their tournament opens on March 6 against Brazil at Daikin Park.
Kershaw, now 37, didn’t just coast into retirement last year - he earned it. Coming off toe and knee surgeries, he put together a strong final campaign in 2025, posting a 3.36 ERA over 23 appearances.
He logged 112 2/3 innings, the second-most on the Dodgers’ staff, and earned a spot on the postseason roster. That kind of durability and production, especially after major surgery, speaks volumes about the way Kershaw wanted to go out: on his terms.
And he did just that. His final appearance at Dodger Stadium came on the sport’s biggest stage - the World Series.
In Game 3 against the Blue Jays, Kershaw entered in extra innings with the bases loaded and calmly induced a groundout to escape the jam. It was vintage Kershaw: composed, clutch, and completely in control.
Though he didn’t throw the final pitch of the series - that honor went to Yoshinobu Yamamoto - Kershaw was up in the bullpen, ready if needed. The Dodgers sealed the win, and Kershaw walked away with his third World Series ring.
In the aftermath, Kershaw admitted he wasn’t sure what came next. Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman offered him a role in the front office, but Kershaw made it clear he wasn’t looking for a full-time gig.
“Except full-time dad,” he said - and he meant it. He and his wife, Ellen, welcomed their fifth child, Chloe Peach Kershaw, on December 19.
Still, baseball might not be done with Kershaw just yet. Reports indicate he’s being eyed as a top studio analyst target for NBC and Peacock’s upcoming MLB coverage. If that happens, fans may still get to hear his insight and perspective - just from behind a microphone instead of on the mound.
But first, one more ride. One more jersey.
One more chance to represent his country. For a pitcher who’s done just about everything in the game, the World Baseball Classic offers a final box to check - and knowing Kershaw, he’s going to savor every pitch.