Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Dodgers Bring Back Clayton Kershaw Months After Retirement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio G Losada | Last updated Mar 28, 2026 11:31 AM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers opened the 2026 season with a full-blown celebration of their back-to-back World Series titles spanning the first two days of the campaign.

Just when fans at Dodger Stadium thought one of the most recognizable figures in franchise history was about to miss the ring ceremony on Friday, Clayton Kershaw made his way to the field to get his ring and throw out the first pitch.

Kershaw's presence followed reports of the Dodgers bringing Kershaw back earlier on Friday, and although some Los Angeles fans would love to have him back on the field, the Dodgers announced a different kind of reunion with the pitcher.

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw during Game 3 of the 2025 World Series.Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

According to MLB.com's Sonja Chen, the organization has hired Kershaw as a "special assistant" for their front office, bringing the longtime ace back just months after he retired following the 2025 season.

“I think I’ll be involved,” Kershaw said, via Chen. “I still want to be a part of the Dodgers, so if I can help in some small piece, I will.”

Kershaw, who spent his entire 18-year career with the Dodgers, will remain connected to the team, although the exact responsibilities of his new role remain unclear.

Clayton Kershaw is indeed back with the Dodgers as a special assistant, as @FabianArdaya had 1st. Here's what Kershaw said about working for the Dodgers just now: “I think I'll be involved... I still want to be a part of the Dodgers, so if I can help in some small piece, I will.”
— Sonja Chen (@SonjaMChen) March 27, 2026

Kershaw, however, indicated that his involvement with the Dodgers may not require his full-time presence in Los Angeles.

“I’ll be involved somehow,” Kershaw said, per ESPN's Alden Gonzalez. “Probably not physically here in L.A., but definitely I’m sure I’ll watch games. I still want to be a part of the Dodgers, so if I can help in some small piece, I will.”

The move comes after a decorated career that included three Cy Young Awards, an MVP season in 2014 and three World Series titles.

Kershaw finished his career as the Dodgers’ all-time strikeout leader and posted a 2.53 ERA across nearly 3,000 innings, winning three Cy Young Awards, an MVP award in 2014, and earning three World Series titles in 2020, 2024 and 2025.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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