Why Clayton Kershaw doesn't want to face Shohei Ohtani in the World Baseball Classic: 'For our country's sake'
CBS Sports
by
Matt Snyder
March 3, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Clayton Kershaw, a retiring MLB legend, has made his final international appearance with Team USA in the World Baseball Classic as part of his swan song. Known for his Hall of Fame-worthy career, Kershaw expressed that while he is excited to represent his country, facing Shohei Ohtani in a potential USA vs. Japan showdown is unlikely and perhaps even beneficial to avoid. With Team USA's formidable pitching rotation and bullpen, including stars like Paul Skenes, Logan Webb, David Bednar, Griffin Jax, and Mason Miller, Kershaw acknowledges that he may not be needed against one of the world's best hitters. His humorous yet humble take on the situation highlights his focus on contributing to Team USA's success rather than individual matchups.
Kershaw's retirement comes after an illustrious 18-year career with impressive stats, including three Cy Young Awards and five ERA titles. However, his performance in recent seasons has shown signs of decline, particularly towards the end of last year when he struggled with a high ERA. This self-awareness makes him more cautious about taking on Ohtani, who is widely regarded as one of the best hitters in baseball. Kershaw's decision to step aside for younger pitchers reflects both his respect for Team USA's depth and his acknowledgment of his own limitations.
The World Baseball Classic offers a unique stage for international competition, drawing top talent from around the globe. For sports fans, this tournament is an opportunity to see global stars like Kershaw and Ohtani in action, even if they don't face off against each other directly. Kershaw's participation adds a sense of closure to his legendary career, as he aims to cap it off with a championship for Team USA. His thoughtful approach to the situation also underscores the importance of teamwork and strategic planning in achieving national success on the international stage.
Verticals
sports
Originally published on CBS Sports on 3/3/2026