Veteran pitcher Clayton Kershaw was officially named to the Team USA roster on Thursday for the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC) this March. Coming off his third World Series title with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Kershaw is preparing to make his first appearance representing the United States in the tournament, despite having contemplated retirement earlier this year.
The 37-year-old will bring the most experience to a roster captained by Aaron Judge and featuring standout pitchers like Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes, both Cy Young Award winners slated for 2025. Previously, Kershaw had to withdraw from the event three years ago due to unable to secure insurance.
Kershaw Embraces Support Role with Enthusiasm
Addressing the media, including The Athletic and MLB Network, Kershaw shared his excitement about the opportunity to contribute to the team’s effort, regardless of how much time he spends on the mound. He emphasized his willingness to serve as a reliable option whenever needed.
“I just want to be the insurance policy, you know, if anybody needs a breather or if they need me to pitch back-to-back-to-back or if they don’t need me to pitch at all, I’m just there to be there. I just want to be part of this group,”
Kershaw said.
“I learned a long time ago, you just want to be a part of great things, and this team seems like a really fun, awesome group.”
Preparation Amid Retirement and Eagerness for Competition
Although Kershaw has stepped away from regular pitching duties following his surgery, he has maintained a light workout routine as he prepares to join Team USA’s training camp. His objective is to be physically ready, even if his role is limited during the tournament.
“I am throwing just enough to make it for 10 days,”
he explained.
“I’m not pitching this season — so I figured this is the perfect time to try the WBC. I really want to be a part of it.”
Anticipation of a High-Stakes Matchup With Shohei Ohtani
The memory of last year’s WBC final still lingers, where Team USA finished second after falling to Team Japan, led by the remarkable Shohei Ohtani. Kershaw, who once shared a clubhouse with Ohtani in Los Angeles, is fully aware that the upcoming event could set the stage for a dramatic rematch and possible pitching confrontation.
However, Kershaw made it clear he has no intention of directly facing Ohtani in a critical game, blending humor with respect for the Japanese star’s hitting prowess.
“I think something will have gone terribly wrong if I have to pitch against Team Japan in the finals … I think we got plenty of guys to get that guy out and not me,”
Kershaw stated.
“I am not going to pitch to Shohei in any meaningful game,”
he joked.
“I’ll tell you that right now. He would hit it so far off me right now.”
Kershaw Reflects on a Fulfilling Career and Future Plans
Following significant surgery to repair a shoulder capsule, many doubted if Kershaw would return to elite form. Instead, he added two more World Series titles to his legacy. His final on-field moment came during Game 3 of last year’s World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays, where he skillfully navigated a bases-loaded, two-outs situation in extra innings and was also prepared for Game 7 to support closer Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
“Watching some of the highlights back from the playoffs, it feels like a fairy tale, that I got to end it the way it did,”
Kershaw reflected.
“I literally couldn’t have asked for anything more. I just am so grateful for it all. It was an amazing run, man. It was so good. I have so much peace not throwing a ball again.”
Beyond playing, Kershaw is already exploring avenues post-retirement. Discussions include an advisory position with the Dodgers and a possible broadcasting role with NBC, which recently returned to baseball coverage. For now, his primary focus remains on competing for gold with Team USA and savoring this unique baseball chapter.
The Stakes of the Shohei Ohtani WBC Rivalry
The Shohei Ohtani WBC rivalry adds an electric edge to the upcoming tournament, as Team USA seeks redemption after narrowly missing the championship last year. With Ohtani’s extraordinary dual-threat talent as both a pitcher and hitter, and Kershaw’s seasoned veteran presence, fans are eagerly anticipating potential matchups that could define baseball’s international competition.
How Team USA manages its pitching staff, especially in relation to high-impact players like Ohtani, could influence the tournament’s outcome and alter narratives around a generational rivalry. Kershaw’s decision to avoid facing Ohtani directly highlights both respect and strategy, tempering the tension with a playful warning about his former teammate’s hitting capacity.
As Kershaw joins a blend of young stars and established athletes, Team USA looks forward to not only contending for the title but also reaffirming its baseball dominance on the global stage. The WBC this March promises to be an intense, high-profile event for players, coaches, and fans alike.
