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Clayton Kershaw Joins Team USA for 2026 World Baseball Classic

Retirement removes the insurance barrier to a brief bullpen appearance.

Overview

  • USA Baseball announced Jan. 15 that Kershaw will pitch for the United States in March, his first WBC after insurance kept him out in 2023.
  • The 37-year-old said he is "throwing just enough" for roughly a 10-day window and wants to serve as an insurance policy out of the bullpen.
  • With starters such as Paul Skenes, Tarik Skubal, Logan Webb and Joe Ryan committed, his role is expected to be relief rather than starting.
  • Team USA opens Pool B against Brazil on March 6 in Houston after exhibitions versus the Giants and Rockies on March 3–4, with the championship scheduled for March 17 in Miami.
  • A star-laden roster featuring Aaron Judge, Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Will Smith, Cal Raleigh and newcomer Alex Bregman is being finalized ahead of early February.