Future Hall of Fame pitcher Clayton Kershaw has one more challenge to take on before walking into the sunset. The Los Angeles Dodgers icon retired from Major League Baseball (MLB) after his team secured the 2025 World Series in an electrifying series against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Kershaw said goodbye to the league following this victory. However, he hasn’t had his last dance on the field.
USA Baseball shared major news on Thursday, announcing that Kershaw will suit up for Team USA at the upcoming 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
Despite being one of the greatest and most dominant pitchers of his generation, Kershaw hasn’t pitched in the WBC. He committed to play in 2023, but the inability to get an insurance policy after consulting with MLB, the MLB Players’ Association and the Dodgers made him back out.
Team USA had a terrific tournament, which was ruined by Clayton Kershaw’s teammate, Shohei Ohtani. They lost in the gold medal game, 3-2, against Japan. Kershaw noted that 2023 might be his last chance to play in the tournament.
The newest member of the Chicago Cubs, Alex Bregman, joined Kershaw as another addition to the roster.
Here is Team USA’s full roster:
Catchers: Cal Raleigh, Will SmithInfielders: Bobby Witt Jr., Gunnar Henderson, Brice Turang, Bryce Harper, Ernie Clement, Alex BregmanOutfielders: Aaron Judge, Byron Buxton, Corbin Carroll, Pete Crow-ArmstrongDesignated Hitter: Kyle SchwarberStarting Pitchers: Paul Skenes, Tarik Skubal, Joe Ryan, Logan Webb, Matthew Boyd, Clay Holmes, Nolan McLean, Clayton KershawRelief Pitchers: Mason Miller, David Bednar, Griffin Jax, Garrett Whitlock, Garrett Cleavinger, Gabe Speier
At 37, Kershaw won’t carry the rotation as he would have during his best days. Still, this will be a great opportunity for the three-time World Series champion.
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