Dodgers Legend Clayton Kershaw Hints at Retirement After 2026 WBC Final

Kershaw's comments suggest he may not pursue coaching after his playing career ends.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 11:59pm

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Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw, one of the game's all-time greats, has hinted that the 2026 World Baseball Classic final may be the last time he ever wears a baseball uniform. Kershaw's remarks before the championship game suggest he is ready to step away from the daily demands of professional baseball and may not pursue a coaching career after retirement.

Why it matters

Kershaw has been the face of the Dodgers franchise for nearly two decades, winning three Cy Young Awards and anchoring championship-caliber teams. His potential retirement would mark the end of an iconic era in Dodgers history and raises questions about his future plans beyond playing.

The details

In a video clip shared on social media, Kershaw was seen speaking in the bullpen ahead of the WBC final, saying, "This is it, this is the last time I'm putting on baseball pants unless something weird happens, but yeah." This statement signals more than just a possible retirement from playing, as it also suggests Kershaw may not be planning an immediate transition into coaching, a path he has previously expressed hesitation about due to the demanding travel.

  • Kershaw made the comments before the 2026 World Baseball Classic final on March 17, 2026.

The players

Clayton Kershaw

A legendary pitcher who has spent his entire 19-year MLB career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, winning three Cy Young Awards and anchoring championship-caliber teams.

DodgersNation

A media outlet that covers the Los Angeles Dodgers and shared the video clip of Kershaw's comments on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

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What they’re saying

“This is it, this is the last time i'm putting on baseball pants unless something weird happens, but yeah.”

— Clayton Kershaw (DodgersNation)

The takeaway

Kershaw's comments suggest he is ready to step away from the daily demands of professional baseball, marking the end of an iconic era for the Dodgers franchise. While he may not pursue coaching, his retirement would leave a significant void in the team's leadership and on-field presence that will be difficult to replace.