Clayton Kershaw’s final Major League pitch before retirement helped the Dodgers secure their second straight championship. But his baseball career isn’t quite over yet!
USA Baseball announced today that the future Hall of Famer will represent Team USA at the 2026 World Baseball Classic. This latest career move gives Kershaw one more chance to pitch on a global stage just months after retiring from an 18-season MLB career.
This marks another chapter in Kershaw’s World Baseball Classic journey after having previously pitched for Team USA in 2013.
A Legendary Career
Kershaw leaves the big leagues with one of the most decorated résumés in baseball history:
- Three Cy Young Awards
- 2014 National League MVP
- Three World Series titles
- 11 All-Star selections
- 3,052 strikeouts
- 2.53 career ERA, the lowest among starting pitchers in MLB history
The 2026 World Baseball Classic
The 2026 World Baseball Classic tournament runs March 5–17, 2026, with games in the United States, Japan and Puerto Rico.
Team USA will open Pool B play in Houston against Brazil, followed by matchups with Mexico, Italy and Great Britain. The Americans enter with unfinished business after falling to Japan in the 2023 championship game. That finale was highlighted by Shohei Ohtani striking out Mike Trout.
Team USA Roster Commitments (So Far)
Catchers
- Cal Raleigh
- Will Smith
Infielders
- 1B: Bryce Harper
- 2B: Brice Turang
- SS: Bobby Witt Jr., Gunnar Henderson
- 3B: Ernie Clement
Outfielders
- Byron Buxton
- Corbin Carroll
- Pete Crow-Armstrong
- Aaron Judge
Designated Hitter
- Kyle Schwarber
Pitchers
- David Bednar
- Clay Holmes
- Griffin Jax
- Clayton Kershaw
- Nolan McLean
- Mason Miller
- Joe Ryan
- Paul Skenes
- Tarik Skubal
- Gabe Speier,
- Logan Webb
Final rosters are expected to be released in early February.