Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Blake Snell commented on Clayton Kershaw’s decision to feature for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Kershaw retired from MLB at the end of the 2025 season, putting an end to one of the most successful pitching careers in the history of the league. He had a fantastic final season with the Dodgers, eclipsing 3,000 strikeouts and winning a third World Series ring.
“I thought he retired, man,” Snell said. “Maybe he does that, play another season, why not?”
While Kershaw will participate in the WBC, Snell will not. The left-hander revealed his arm was “tired” and “exhausted” after the end of the season. Snell further elaborated on his fitness and getting ready for the 2026 season as well.
“You want to ramp up, but I gotta take my time and get healthy,” he said.
“I feel like I’m doing the right thing. I feel good. I’ve been throwing. It feels better. In the postseason, I gave everything I had for that. But on the front end of spring, I’ll have to be patient and let my body get to 100%.”
When Did Snell and Kershaw Play Together?
Snell signed with the Dodgers on a five-year, $182 million contract ahead of the 2025 season, and spent time with Kershaw in the rotation during the season.
The two-time Cy Young winner missed some time during the season, landing on the injured list after just two starts and remaining out until the beginning of August. He managed a solid season when he did pitch, though, posting a 2.35 ERA through 11 starts.
He continued his dominance into the postseason, maintaining a 3.18 ERA through his six appearances.
While Kershaw and Snell only played on the same team for one year, they’re more than familiar with each other. Snell began his career with the Tampa Bay Rays, and he faced the Dodgers in the 2020 World Series.
He then spent four years in the NL West, pitching for the San Diego Padres for three years and the San Francisco Giants in 2024.
Could Kershaw Return for Another Season?
Kershaw is sure to play baseball again in March, but the chance he returns to MLB is likely slim to none.
Additionally, the future Hall of Famer is reportedly close to signing a deal with NBC to cover the MLB next season, which would keep him out of the dugout.
Even without Kershaw, the Dodgers have plenty of starting pitching depth for the coming season, and they’ll look to utilize their players as they chase a third World Series title in as many years.
