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Clayton Kershaw to suit up for Team USA after MLB retirement

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Matt Wadleigh | Last updated Jan 15, 2026 11:40 AM ET

Los Angeles Dodgers legend Clayton Kershaw is retiring from the MLB, but he isn’t done playing baseball just yet.

The 11-time All-Star decided that he will participate in the 2026 World Baseball Classic and suit up for Team USA.

CLAYTON KERSHAW!

The three-time World Series champ, 11-time All-Star, three-time NL Cy Young Award winner, and 2014 NL MVP will suit up one last time for Team USA at the World Baseball Classic! pic.twitter.com/CnUnpa1oeH
— USA Baseball (@USABaseball) January 15, 2026

Kerhaw joining Team USA adds him to a loaded pitching staff that also includes Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, Pittsburgh Pirates flame-thrower Paul Skenes, and New York Mets youngster Nolan McLean.

The Team USA bullpen is headlined by San Diego Padres closer Mason Miller.

Kyle Schwarber, Byron Buxton, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Corbin Carroll, Aaron Judge, Cal Raleigh and Bobby Witt Jr. are some of the position players who have already committed to play for Team USA.

In 2023, Team USA finished as the runner-up, losing to Shohei Ohtani and Team Japan. Kershaw was set to participate that year but was forced to withdraw due to insurance issues.

Kershaw had announced in September that he would retire at the end of the 2025 season, but he will step onto the baseball diamond as an active player when Team USA begins the World Baseball Classic.

Team USA’s World Baseball Classic schedule this time will begin on March 6 with Pool B play against Brazil at Daikin Park in Houston.

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

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