Former Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw. JOE LUMAYA/SPECIAL TO THE STAR / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Dodgers hire franchise legend Clayton Kershaw

Originally posted on MLB Trade Rumors | By Anthony Franco | Last updated Mar 27, 2026 8:20 PM ET

Clayton Kershaw is back with the Los Angeles Dodgers in a non-playing role. The club hired the future Hall of Famer as a special assistant in their front office, reports Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. Kershaw retired at the end of the 2025 season, though he was included on the Team USA roster for this spring’s World Baseball Classic.

That was largely symbolic, as he didn’t make an appearance and was subbed off the roster before the semifinals.

Kershaw tells Sonja Chen of MLB.com he’ll “be involved” with the organization. Special assistant roles around the league vary.

Some of these hirings are ceremonial or public relations moves, while others involve working with MLB players and/or prospects during Spring Training and throughout the season.

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

In either case, it’s fitting that Kershaw remains a Dodger in some capacity. He spent all of his legendary career in Dodger blue, posting a 2.53 ERA in a little under 3,000 innings. Kershaw won the NL MVP in 2014 and is still the most recent pitcher to do so. He won five ERA titles, three Cy Young awards, and three championships.

Kershaw is in L.A. this weekend for the season-opening series against the Diamondbacks. He was part of NBC’s broadcast team for last night’s opener. He’s back at Dodger Stadium Friday night as part of the World Series ring ceremony.

This article first appeared on MLB Trade Rumors and was syndicated with permission.

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