Clayton Kershaw put together one of the most dominant pitching careers in modern MLB history over 18 seasons (2008–2025), all with the Los Angeles Dodgers. In 432 career appearances (429 starts), he compiled a 212–94 record, a 2.48 ERA, and 2,968 strikeouts across roughly 2,740 innings pitched, making him one of the most efficient run preventers ever. A three-time Cy Young Award winner (2011, 2013, 2014) and 2014 NL MVP, Kershaw led the National League in ERA five times and finished his career with a 1.00 WHIP and a 9.8 K/9 rate. He was selected to 10 All-Star teams, threw a no-hitter in 2014, and helped the Dodgers win two World Series titles (2020, 2024). By any measure—peak dominance, longevity, or accolades—Kershaw’s résumé places him firmly among the greatest left-handed pitchers and all-time greats in MLB history.
As a recently retired MLB legend of the game, Kershaw was originally slated to represent Team USA at the 2023 World Baseball Classic, a milestone he openly admitted he was excited about, but he was forced to withdraw just weeks before the tournament when the required insurance coverage could not be secured due to his extensive injury history, particularly recurring back issues. Despite being healthy and willing to pitch, the insurance hurdle proved insurmountable, disappointing both Kershaw and a Team USA staff that had envisioned the future Hall of Famer as a key veteran presence on the roster.
Fast forward to 2026, and that barrier is no longer expected to exist, without an active MLB contract to insure, “Kersh” is now positioned to finally don the Stars and Stripes on the WBC stage, fulfilling an opportunity that slipped away three years earlier. It’s the perfect cap on a Hall-worthy career.
He went out as a champion after his Dodgers successfully defended their World Series title last year. And now Clayton Kershaw will represent the U.S. in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, Team USA announced on Thursday. Team USA’s tournament begins on March 6 with Pool B play against Brazil at Daikin Park in Houston.