Former Los Angeles Dodgers starter Clayton Kershaw will host an on-site pregame show for NBC ahead of LA’s Opening Day matchup.
Kershaw will join Bob Costas in his return to Dodger Stadium, and will be present when the Dodgers raise their 2025 World Series championship banner. First pitch for the Dodgers’ Opening Day matchup against the Arizona Diamondbacks is set for 5:30 p.m. PT, with the ceremony to come just before the first game of the season.
The southpaw isn’t the only MLB great to join NBC this offseason, as former All-Stars Anthony Rizzo and Joey Votto will take on a similar role. NBC took over ESPN’s coverage of “Sunday Night Baseball,” so Kershaw will be around throughout the season during prime time.
Could Kershaw Come Back to the Dodgers in the Future?
While Kershaw has shut down any notion of his return to Dodger Stadium as a player, the Dodgers have offered him an open ended job offer and clearly want him to be around in the future.
“Hopefully we’re fortunate enough to get him to work with us,” Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said on Dodgers Territory. “But it won’t be the same, not having him around on a daily basis. …That was my shameless plug, Kersh, in case you’re listening. Come work with us.”
Kershaw also commented on the offer and expressed his appreciation for the offer.
“[Friedman] mentioned something where I could hang out,” Kershaw said. “That’s good, man. I don’t know what that looks like. But this is a special organization. They don’t need me to win World Series. That’s obvious. But if there’s anything I can do in the future to be part of it, be around it, I hope that’s the case.”
How Long Did Clayton Kershaw Play for the Dodgers?
Kershaw played 18 seasons for the Dodgers, announcing his retirement towards the end of the 2025 season.
He spent his entire career with LA, making 455 regular season appearances on the bump and posting a 2.53 ERA throughout his time in MLB. He won just about everything there is to win at the top level, bringing in an MVP, three World Series, three Cy Youngs, a Gold Glove and 11 All-Star selections.
Are you excited to see Kershaw in the booth this year?
