Although Clayton Kershaw has officially ended his Major League Baseball career, the future Hall of Fame pitcher is not finished competing yet. USA Baseball announced on Thursday that Kershaw will represent Team USA in this spring’s World Baseball Classic (WBC), marking his first participation in the tournament after missing the 2023 event due to insurance issues. This opportunity will allow Kershaw to make a decisive final mark before retiring.
Kershaw’s Career and Path to the WBC Opportunity
The 37-year-old star announced last September that he would retire following the 2025 MLB season, concluding an 18-year career exclusively with the Los Angeles Dodgers. His final MLB season showcased strong performances, concluding with an 11-2 record and a 3.36 ERA during the regular season. Kershaw also made two key appearances in the Dodgers’ postseason run, including a critical relief effort in the 12th inning of Game 3 in the World Series, which ultimately became his last major league outing. Despite wrapping up his MLB career last October, Thursday’s announcement confirms that Kershaw’s competitive pitching will continue beyond that point.
Initial Reluctance and Renewed Readiness to Join Team USA
Kershaw revealed that he was contacted this offseason by Team USA manager Mark DeRosa, who inquired about his availability for the upcoming WBC. Initially, Kershaw thought the call involved a coaching role rather than playing again. However, after learning it was about pitching, he admitted he was hesitant to pick up a baseball once more.
“And I’m gonna be honest, I didn’t have a whole lot of interest in picking up a baseball again. But I started throwing 10-12 days ago, and it doesn’t feel terrible. So I think I’ll be OK,”
Kershaw said.
Overcoming Past Barriers to Represent Team USA
Kershaw’s opportunity this year contrasts with the 2023 World Baseball Classic, when he was unable to participate despite excitement and willingness. At that time, securing insurance to cover his Dodgers contract was a significant obstacle due to the injury risk involved, especially given his recent history with back and elbow issues.
“I really wanted to do it,”
Kershaw said following his withdrawal. Now, those insurance concerns are resolved, enabling him to join the WBC roster as a veteran presence.
Role and Expectations on Team USA’s Pitching Staff
Kershaw described his expected role as an “insurance policy” within a pitching staff led by promising talents including Tarik Skubal, Paul Skenes, and Logan Webb.
“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,”
he explained. Regarding the possibility of facing his former Dodgers teammate Shohei Ohtani, who now stars for Team Japan, Kershaw joked,
“I think something will have gone terribly wrong if I have to pitch against Team Japan in the finals or something.”
Appreciation for the Final Opportunity and Team Dynamics
The three-time Cy Young Award winner expressed gratitude for being included in the squad during this last competitive chapter of his career.
“I just want to be part of this group,”
Kershaw said.
“I learned a long time ago, you just want to be part of great things. And this team seems like a really fun, awesome group.”
As his MLB journey concludes, this chance to contribute to Team USA’s WBC campaign offers a meaningful extension to his time on the mound.
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