Clayton Kershaw, the legendary pitcher from the Los Angeles Dodgers, is postponing his retirement temporarily to pitch for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC). This tournament will mark Kershaw’s debut in the WBC after he had to withdraw from the 2023 event due to insurance complications. His participation adds significant experience to an already formidable Team USA roster.
Among Kershaw’s teammates is San Diego Padres reliever Mason Miller. Despite their rivalry in the Dodgers-Padres matchups, both players now unite under the Team USA banner. Miller expressed enthusiasm about Kershaw’s addition to the lineup and what it means for the team.
Count me in the surprised boat, but that just adds to the further allure of the WBC,
Miller said on Jan. 15 during an appearance on Foul Territory.
You got guys coming out of the woodwork that you weren’t even expecting to go to an already star-studded cast of guys, and I’m just so stoked to go hang out with them and try to bring this thing home for our country.
Kershaw’s Vast Experience Strengthens Team USA’s Pitching Staff
At 37 years old, Clayton Kershaw retired following an 18-season career highlighted by leading the Dodgers to back-to-back World Series victories, including last year’s championship defense. His accolades include three Cy Young Awards, an MVP title, and five ERA titles, making him one of the most accomplished left-handers in baseball history. Kershaw is also one of only four left-handed pitchers to achieve 3,000 strikeouts in his career.
Although the WBC occurs early in the MLB calendar, when most players are still ramping up in spring training, Miller believes Kershaw’s experience in high-pressure games will be invaluable.
I think it’s silly to sit here and say that guys are going to be in midseason form in March,
Miller noted.
But it’s just rising to the occasion, and these guys are all competitors. A guy like Kershaw has pitched for how many years now and pitched so many big games, so he’s not scared of the big moments.
And he wouldn’t be signing up to come to something like this if he didn’t see himself as being prepared for it. So I don’t think that’s something to worry about at all.
Kershaw’s Role as a Versatile Backup for Team USA
Now retired, Kershaw has joked that he intends to serve as an “insurance policy” for Team USA’s pitching rotation during the WBC. He told USA manager Mark DeRosa that he is ready to support the team in any capacity necessary, whether that means pitching extensively or not appearing on the mound at all.
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,
Kershaw said during an interview on MLB Network on January 15 (h/t MLB.com).
I just want to be part of this group. I learned a long ago, you just want to be a part of great things, and this team seems like a really fun, awesome group.
An intriguing subplot could emerge if Kershaw faces his former teammate Shohei Ohtani of Team Japan, a prospect that Kershaw finds nerve-wracking.
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 admitted.
The Impact of Kershaw’s Return on Team USA’s WBC Prospects
Clayton Kershaw’s return to competitive baseball on this international stage brings both veteran leadership and a calm presence to Team USA’s pitching staff, which could influence how the team performs under pressure. His willingness to contribute in any role, combined with his extensive postseason experience, enhances Team USA’s depth and poise heading into the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
The presence of star pitchers like Kershaw alongside emerging talents such as Mason Miller signals a strong chance for the United States to contend for the title. Kershaw’s participation also underscores the prestige and allure that the WBC continues to hold among top players. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this seasoned veteran adjusts to the intensity of international competition and whether Team USA can harness his skill and leadership to secure victory.
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