Clayton Kershaw surprised baseball fans on Thursday by announcing that he will pitch in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, despite having declared his retirement after a 17-year career with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Mason Miller, a pitcher for the San Diego Padres, expressed his astonishment at Kershaw’s decision during a recent interview on the Foul Territory podcast, highlighting the unexpected nature of the comeback.
Mason Miller Reacts to Kershaw Joining Team USA
During the Foul Territory appearance, Mason Miller shared his amazement at Kershaw committing to Team USA’s roster. As Miller noted,
“That just adds to the further allure of the WBC.” ?Mason Miller, Pitcher, San Diego Padres
This return clearly enhances the excitement surrounding the tournament and underscores the star-studded lineup Team USA has assembled.
Team USA’s Impressive Lineup for the Classic
The United States will feature several big names, including Aaron Judge, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Alex Bregman, Cal Raleigh, Bryce Harper, Kershaw, and Miller himself. Miller had an impressive 2025 season, pitching in 22 games for the Padres with an earned run average (ERA) of 0.77 and collecting two saves. He also discussed his ambitions of becoming a starter in the upcoming season during his podcast interview.
Background on the World Baseball Classic and Recent Seasons
The World Baseball Classic is set to take place from March 5 to 17. Japan currently holds the championship title from the 2023 tournament, while the United States won the event in 2017 by defeating Puerto Rico 8-0 in the final game. Last season, the Padres finished 90-72 but were eliminated by the Chicago Cubs in the National League Wild Card series. In contrast, the Dodgers secured their second consecutive World Series victory, besting the Toronto Blue Jays in seven games.
Kershaw and Miller’s Career Highlights
Clayton Kershaw’s career boasts 3,052 strikeouts, three Cy Young Awards, and three World Series titles. Mason Miller entered Major League Baseball in 2023 with the Oakland Athletics and earned a spot on the National League All-Star team the following year. Over his career so far, Miller has recorded a 2.81 ERA, 246 strikeouts, and 50 saves.
Significance of Kershaw’s Decision for the WBC
Kershaw’s choice to pitch for Team USA adds significant star power to the tournament, enhancing its appeal to fans worldwide. For Mason Miller and other players, competing alongside veterans like Kershaw offers both a unique challenge and an opportunity for growth. As the Classic approaches, anticipation is building for a highly competitive and memorable international baseball event.
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