Legendary left-hander's career has one final encore performance, Kershaw's perfect farewell after the Classic.

Los Angeles Dodgers legendary left-handed pitcher Clayton Kershaw will end his fantastic baseball career in a fantastic way.

After aiding the Dodgers in defending their World Series championship last year, this three-time Cy Young Award winner retired at the height of his game, but he agreed to come back solely to fulfill one more desire: playing for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.

“It couldn’t have ended better than last year,” Kershaw said today after completing his first workout at Team USA’s Papago Park training center. “Last year was an incredible experience. Being part of that team was a tremendous honor and privilege. I thought that was the perfect way to bow out. Honestly, I don’t know if I had the energy to pitch another full season. I’m at peace with that decision. This is kind of a strange, one-off episode. You really can’t turn down an opportunity like this. Preparing for it hasn’t been easy without the motivation of getting ready for a season, but my arm actually feels pretty good. I’ll be fine. If the team needs me, I’ll be ready.”

Kershaw had intended to play for Team USA in the 2023 Classic but ultimately withdrew due to insurance issues. Now, the 37-year-old lefty himself serves as an insurance policy. Behind a star-studded starting rotation that includes reigning Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, Paul Skenes, Giants ace Logan Webb, and rising Mets rookie Nolan McLean, he will provide depth support.

With Skubal expected to depart after starting one game in the group stage against Britain on Sunday, Kershaw’s presence becomes even more valuable. Twins right-hander Joe Ryan is also unavailable for the first round due to back inflammation.

“He’s very important to us,” Team USA manager Mark DeRosa said of Kershaw. “The format of the Classic is such that if a starter struggles or can’t go deep… you need that break-glass-in-case-of-emergency pitcher. No active player wants to come here and possibly not pitch at all. When we brainstormed, he’s one of the greatest ever, teammates will want to be around him, learn from him, and in a pinch, he can take the mound and help stabilize things.”

The previous Classic ended with the epic showdown of Shohei Ohtani striking out Mike Trout, securing the gold medal for Samurai Japan.

In 2026, could it be Kershaw versus Ohtani?

“For the sake of our country, it’s probably better if I don’t pitch,” Kershaw said with a laugh. “But listen, if it’s a critical moment and they need me, I’ll go.”

It’s worth noting that Shohei Ohtani is 0-for-11 in his career against his former Dodgers teammate, with only one hit in an All-Star Game before being picked off by Kershaw.

“Just throw the ball, pitch away, let him hit it to the outfield, hope he flies out to left. Don’t feed it into his barrel,” Kershaw said. “But I can’t imagine, if the U.S. and Japan get to that point, with the pitching staff we have, that they’d need me. Still, I’ll be ready.”

Kershaw said he arrived in Arizona last Sunday and has stayed in touch with many old teammates, with some video-calling him from the Camelback Ranch clubhouse or weight room. Even so, Kershaw said he doesn’t plan to visit Glendale this spring.

“I thought about it,” Kershaw said. “I miss it. I miss the guys. But I think for at least the first year, for me, mentally stepping away completely for a full year might be better. It’s just spring training. I’ll definitely find time to go to L.A. Mentally, to truly move on, I think going back would be tough.”

Kershaw said he plans to return to Dodger Stadium on March 27 local time for the championship ring ceremony. After that, he’ll head home to his wife Ellen and their five children. No longer focused on preparing for an MLB season, Kershaw now has plenty of time to drive the kids to school, coach them in basketball and baseball.

“Dad life,” Kershaw said. “I’m an Uber driver. So many activities.”