Key Takeaways
- Clayton Kershaw, the legendary Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher, has come out of retirement to pitch for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
- Kershaw has stressed that he is not returning to MLB and is only pitching in the tournament to be a part of it and potentially win a gold medal.
- The 37-year-old pitcher will be used in a relief role for Team USA, similar to his role with the Dodgers at the end of last season.
- Kershaw’s addition to the team adds excitement to the tournament and gives him the opportunity to further his legacy with a gold medal in his final professional appearance.
Introduction to Kershaw’s Decision
Clayton Kershaw, the renowned Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher, had an emotional farewell tour last year after announcing his retirement from MLB at the conclusion of the 2025 season. However, in a surprising turn of events, Kershaw has come out of retirement to pitch for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. This decision has left many fans and pundits wondering what motivated Kershaw to return to professional baseball, even if it’s just for a short stint. According to Kershaw, he is only throwing enough to make it through the tournament and has no intention of returning to MLB this season.
Kershaw’s Motivation and Expectations
When asked about his decision to pitch in the World Baseball Classic, Kershaw simply replied, "Why not?" He expressed his desire to be a part of the tournament and potentially win a gold medal, which would be a fitting end to his illustrious career. Kershaw also set his expectations low, stating that he doesn’t expect to be used in high-leverage situations and wouldn’t pitch to top players like Shohei Ohtani in meaningful games. This humility and awareness of his current abilities are a testament to Kershaw’s intelligence and understanding of his role on the team.
Team USA’s Roster and Ambitions
Team USA’s roster for the World Baseball Classic has been taking shape since early in the offseason, with top players like Paul Skenes, Aaron Judge, Bryce Harper, and Bobby Witt Jr. committing to the tournament. The addition of Kershaw to the team adds a new layer of excitement and depth to the roster. As one of the best pitchers of his era, Kershaw brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the team, which could be invaluable in the tournament. Team USA is hungry to win the event, and with Kershaw on board, they have a stronger chance of achieving their goal.
Kershaw’s Legacy and Final Appearance
Kershaw’s decision to pitch in the World Baseball Classic gives him the opportunity to further his already impeccable legacy. After winning a World Series championship with the Dodgers, Kershaw can now aim to win a gold medal in his final professional appearance. This would be a fitting end to his career, and Kershaw is aware of the significance of this moment. He has stated that he is throwing just enough to make it through the tournament, and his focus is on enjoying the experience and contributing to the team’s success. With his addition to Team USA, Kershaw has added a new chapter to his legendary career, and fans will be eager to see how he performs in the tournament.
Conclusion and Outlook
The 2026 World Baseball Classic is shaping up to be an exciting event, with top players from around the world competing for their respective countries. The addition of Clayton Kershaw to Team USA’s roster has added a new layer of excitement and anticipation to the tournament. As Kershaw takes the mound for the final time in his professional career, he will be looking to make a lasting impression and potentially win a gold medal. With his intelligence, experience, and competitive spirit, Kershaw is sure to make a significant contribution to Team USA’s campaign, and his legacy will continue to inspire and influence future generations of baseball players.
