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3h ago

Retired Clayton Kershaw Commits to Team USA for 2026 World Baseball Classic

The three-time Cy Young winner is expected to serve as a bullpen insurance option under spring‑training pitch limits.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 27: Clayton Kershaw #22 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after pitching the 12th inning against the Toronto Blue Jays in game three of the 2025 World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ONTARIO - NOVEMBER 02: (L-R) Clayton Kershaw #22 and Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pose in the locker room after defeating the Toronto Blue Jays 5-4 in game seven to win the 2025 World Series at Rogers Center on November 02, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 27: Clayton Kershaw #22 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches during the 12th inning against the Toronto Blue Jays in game three of the 2025 World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Overview

  • USA Baseball announced Thursday that Kershaw will join the 2026 roster, his first WBC after he withdrew in 2023 because he could not secure insurance.
  • The 37-year-old said he began light throwing about 10–12 days ago and characterized his assignment as being an "insurance policy" out of the bullpen.
  • Team USA plans to manage pitchers on pitch counts typical of spring training, and a deep staff featuring Paul Skenes, Tarik Skubal and Logan Webb lessens the need for Kershaw to start.
  • The United States opens Pool B play March 6 against Brazil in Houston, with final rosters expected in early February and later rounds scheduled in Miami.
  • Kershaw retired after the 2025 season as a three-time World Series champion, with his final MLB appearance a key relief out in Game 3 of the World Series.