Clayton Kershaw, the celebrated Major League Baseball pitcher, has agreed to represent the United States in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. This announcement was made on Thursday in Cary, North Carolina, marking an unexpected return for the veteran left-hander, who was previously unable to participate in the 2023 Classic due to insurance constraints.
Kershaw, a three-time National League Cy Young Award winner, had held a $20 million contract that posed insurance complications preventing him from joining Team USA in 2023. Now, free from those restrictions, he is set to rejoin the national squad for the upcoming international tournament.
Kershaw’s Retirement Plans and Recent Career Highlights
The left-handed pitcher, who will turn 38 shortly after the World Baseball Classic championship game on March 17, had announced his intention to retire after the 2025 MLB season. Kershaw’s entire 18-year career was with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he earned three World Series rings, recorded 223 wins against 96 losses, maintained a 2.53 ERA, and struck out 3,052 batters.
Despite planning to conclude his professional baseball career soon, Kershaw expressed eagerness for this new opportunity.
“I just want to be the insurance policy,”
he said.
“If anybody needs a breather or if they need me to pitch back-to-back-to-back (games), or if they don’t need me to pitch at all, I’m just there to be there. I just want to be a part of this group.”
A Late Invitation and Preparation for the Classic
Kershaw initially believed the call from U.S. manager Mark DeRosa was to bring him on as a coach.
“I didn’t have a whole lot of interest in picking up a baseball again,”
Kershaw admitted. However, he began throwing again about 10 to 12 days before the announcement and reported feeling well enough to participate.
“I started throwing 10, 12 days ago and it doesn’t feel terrible, so I think I’ll be OK,”
he added.
On the same day, Alex Bregman, the Chicago Cubs’ new third baseman, also revealed he will join the U.S. team for the tournament.
Team USA’s Roster and Tournament Prospects
The United States’ pitching lineup now features an array of talent besides Kershaw, including right-handers David Bednar, Clay Holmes, Griffin Jax, Nolan McLean, Mason Miller, Joe Ryan, Paul Skenes, and Logan Webb. Left-handed pitchers Tarik Skubal and Gave Speier round out the staff.
Position players include catchers Cal Raleigh and Will Smith; infielders Ernie Clement, Gunnar Henderson, Brice Turang, and Bobby Witt Jr.; outfielders Byron Buxton, Corbin Carroll, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Aaron Judge; as well as designated hitter Kyle Schwarber.
Team USA will start their 2026 World Baseball Classic campaign on March 6 against Brazil in Houston. Their group also features Britain, Italy, and Mexico. The U.S. is aiming to improve on their runner-up finish in the 2023 Classic, where they lost the title game 3-2 to Japan.
Kershaw’s Reflection on High-Stakes Matchups
One memorable moment in the 2023 Classic involved Japan’s Shohei Ohtani striking out American slugger Mike Trout to secure Japan’s victory. Kershaw, who has been Ohtani’s teammate over the past two seasons on the Dodgers, does not expect to face him during the tournament.
“I think something will have gone terribly wrong if I have to pitch against team Japan in the finals or something. I think we’ve got plenty of guys to get that guy out and not me,”
Kershaw said. He added,
“But if that happens, I’ll be nervous. I’ll be nervous at this point.”
Implications of Kershaw’s Return for the U.S. Team
Kershaw’s inclusion brings experience and depth to a Team USA pitching staff eager to claim their first World Baseball Classic championship since 2017. His willingness to serve as a reliable option, even if only as a backup, offers reassurance to the team’s rotation and bullpen.
With the tournament approaching, Kershaw’s comeback adds intrigue to the Classic, and his performance will be watched closely amid anticipation and some apprehension over his physical readiness. Yet his presence alone is a boost to the Americans’ chances as they face stiff competition from international rivals.
