The World Baseball Classic’s 2023 final featured an unforgettable showdown between pitcher Shohei Ohtani and batter Mike Trout, both then with the Los Angeles Angels. This intense duel went to a full count, ending with Ohtani striking out Trout and securing the championship for Team Japan. Now with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Ohtani is set to lead Japan’s defense of their title at the upcoming WBC, while Team USA will be without Trout but remains stacked with talent.
U.S. Pitching Staff Boasts Incredible Depth Ahead of 2026 WBC
The United States has assembled a formidable pitching roster for the upcoming tournament, featuring standout players like Joe Ryan, Paul Skenes, Tarik Skubal, and Logan Webb. Among these arms are elite closer Mason Miller and top prospect Nolan McLean. Remarkably, Clayton Kershaw, an 11-time All-Star and three-time Cy Young Award winner who officially retired after the 2025 season, has also decided to return to represent Team USA, potentially providing fans one last look at his pitching prowess.
Clayton Kershaw’s Reluctance to Face Former Teammate Ohtani
Despite his return, Kershaw acknowledges he probably won’t see much game time given the depth of the pitching staff. When asked by MLB Network about the prospect of pitching against Shohei Ohtani in the WBC, Kershaw reacted with laughter, clearly uneasy about the idea.
“I think something will have gone terribly wrong if I have to pitch against Team Japan in the finals or something,”
Kershaw admitted.
“I think we’ve got plenty of guys to get [Ohtani] out and not me. If that happens, I’ll be nervous.”
This hesitation likely stems from their shared history as Dodgers teammates, combined with Ohtani’s status as a four-time MVP and one of baseball’s most dangerous batters. For fans hoping to witness a high-profile Kershaw versus Ohtani matchup—the reverse of the famous pitcher-Trout duel—it remains a remote possibility.
Potential Left-Handed Pitching Shortage Could Shape Matchups
One notable strategic factor is the relative scarcity of left-handed pitchers on Team USA’s roster. Besides Kershaw, the only lefties listed are Tarik Skubal, Matthew Boyd, Gabe Speier, and Garrett Cleavinger. If specific matchup dynamics dictate, Kershaw might be called upon to face Japan, meaning a highly anticipated confrontation with Ohtani could still occur despite his reservations.
The High Stakes and What Fans Might Expect
Looking back, Kershaw nearly pitched in Game 7 of the 2025 World Series during extra innings, underscoring his readiness to perform under pressure even at the tail end of his career. Ultimately, a heroic effort from Yoshinobu Yamamoto prevented that scenario. The upcoming WBC presents a similarly tense environment where any pitcher might need to rise to the occasion.
The 2026 World Baseball Classic will test these elite players’ resolve and may offer one of the final chances to see Clayton Kershaw on the mound. The buildup surrounding his interactions with Ohtani and the United States’ deep pitching arsenal adds layers of anticipation to the event, promising compelling storylines as Team USA aims to dethrone the reigning champions.
Some of the most memorable moments from the 2023 World Baseball Classic
A THREAD 🧵
1. Shohei Ohtani strikes out Mike Trout and Japan wins the WBC title 🏆 pic.twitter.com/Qe2mDGlP6R
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) August 21, 2024
The people of MLB Network asked Clayton Kershaw, fully retired, about the possibility of facing Shohei Ohtani in the WBC and he couldn’t contain his laughter. His response … pic.twitter.com/qGf8F20rd7
— Alden González (@Alden_Gonzalez) January 15, 2026
