Key Takeaways
- Clayton Kershaw will pitch for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic in March, extending his career beyond his initial retirement plans.
- Kershaw, who turns 38 in March, announced in September that the 2025 season would be his 18th and last campaign with the Dodgers.
- He will join a WBC squad featuring reigning Cy Young Award winners Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal.
- Kershaw’s role in the WBC is expected to be more symbolic, with his four-seam fastball averaging 89 mph in his final season, leaving him to rely on his slider.
- The World Baseball Classic will feature round-robin games against Great Britain, Italy, and Mexico, with potential opportunities for Kershaw to pitch.
Introduction to Clayton Kershaw’s Career
Clayton Kershaw’s career has been nothing short of remarkable. With three Cy Young Awards and one MVP, a 2.53 ERA that’s the lowest among starting pitchers in history, and 3,052 strikeouts, his Hall of Fame resume is more than filled out. His final season with the Dodgers was a memorable one, with Kershaw making crucial contributions to the team’s back-to-back championships. In fact, his last competitive pitch in the 2025 season was an 88-mph slider that Nathan Lukes squibbed to second base for the final out of the 12th inning of World Series Game 3.
The Decision to Pitch in the World Baseball Classic
Despite announcing in September that the 2025 season would be his 18th and last campaign with the Dodgers, Kershaw has decided to extend his career by pitching for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic in March. This decision comes as a surprise to many, as Kershaw had seemingly closed the chapter on his baseball career. However, the opportunity to pitch for his country and join a talented WBC squad featuring reigning Cy Young Award winners Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal was perhaps too great to pass up. Kershaw’s role in the WBC is expected to be more symbolic, with his four-seam fastball averaging 89 mph in his final season, leaving him to rely almost exclusively on his slider.
The World Baseball Classic Schedule
The World Baseball Classic will feature round-robin games against Great Britain, Italy, and Mexico, with potential opportunities for Kershaw to pitch. Team USA will begin play in Pool B, with these games providing a platform for Kershaw to showcase his skills one last time. While the WBC is often associated with packed-house showdowns against other global baseball powers like Japan, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic, the early rounds will provide a more low-key setting for Kershaw to get his feet wet. With his experience and expertise, Kershaw is likely to make the most of his time on the mound, even if it’s just for a few innings.
Life After Baseball
After the World Baseball Classic, Kershaw will presumably return to his life in suburban Dallas, where his wife, Ellen, gave birth last month to their fifth child. The transition to dad life will surely be a welcome change of pace for Kershaw, who has spent the better part of two decades dedicated to his craft. While his decision to pitch in the WBC may have come as a surprise, it’s clear that Kershaw is not ready to hang up his cleats just yet. With a few more pitches to serve up, Kershaw will get to experience the thrill of competition one last time before riding off into the sunset.
Conclusion
Clayton Kershaw’s decision to pitch in the World Baseball Classic is a testament to his enduring passion for the game. While his role may be more symbolic than substantive, Kershaw’s presence on the mound will undoubtedly be a treat for fans and a source of inspiration for his teammates. As he takes the mound for Team USA, Kershaw will have the opportunity to add one final chapter to his storied career, and to leave a lasting legacy on the game he loves. With his Hall of Fame resume already secure, Kershaw can focus on enjoying the experience and soaking up every moment of his time in the spotlight.
