Los Angeles Dodgers star Clayton Kershaw retired at the end of the 2025 season, but he’s not done pitching as he is set to represent Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
More news: Dodgers Put on Notice by Rival NL West Manager Ahead of 2026 Season
In an appearance on MLB Network, Kershaw explained the recruitment process for Team USA, which included a hilarious phone call with manager Mark DeRosa.
“I’m so excited it’s going to be so much fun. When DeRo approached me about being apart of this team, I had wanted to do it a few years ago but I was too broken for the insurance to cover my arm and everything,” Kershaw said with a smile.
“I just want to be the insurance policy, if anybody needs a breather or if they need me to pitch back to back to back or if they don’t need me to pitch at all, I’m just there to be there. I just want to be apart of this group. I learned a long time ago, you just want to be apart of great things.
“DeRo called me and I missed his call and he said call me back about the WBC. I thought he wanted me to coach. Then he mentioned playing again, and I’m going to be honest, I didn’t have a whole lot of interest in picking up a baseball again. But I started throwing 10-12 days ago, and it doesn’t feel terrible. So I think I’ll be OK.”
More news: Dodgers Sign 2 Top Prospects Amid MLB’s International Signing Period
Although Kershaw recently entered retirement, he already has multiple job offers on the table. NBC is reportedly interested in hiring the future Hall of Famer as an analyst for the upcoming 2026 season. The network recently became the new home for Sunday Night Baseball and the first round of the MLB playoffs.
Additionally, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman informed Kershaw he was welcome to stay with the organization in an advisory role.
Kershaw, despite being retired, already has quite the full schedule as he and his wife, Ellen, welcomed their fifth child last month and the revered southpaw will now be joining Team USA for the 2026 WBC.
More news: Dodgers Signing Kyle Tucker Would Strengthen LA in 3 Crucial Areas
For more MLB news, visit Newsweek Sports.
Read the full article here
