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LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 27: Clayton Kershaw is seen on the field prior to the game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Los Angeles Dodgers at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium on Friday, March 27, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jessie Alcheh/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
LOS ANGELES — Clayton Kershaw is now retired after 18 seasons pitching for the Dodgers, but 2026 thus far has felt a little like the others. He was part of the NBC pregame show on opening day Thursday, and offered insights during the game broadcast while sitting next to the third base dugout.
“I don’t feel like retirement has really, really started yet,” Kershaw said Friday at Dodger Stadium. “Now that the season started, and I’m going to go home, next week will probably feel like a normal retirement week.”
First comes the ring ceremony on Friday night, during which he will receive his third championship ring.
“For me, it’s just a great ending to my career,” Kershaw said. “I couldn’t have scripted it any better.”
His connection to the Dodgers remains, as he joined the team as a special assistant, which was first reported by Fabian Ardaya at The Athletic.
“I think I’ll be involved somehow. I think I’ll be involved, probably not physically here in LA, but I’m sure I’ll watch games,” Kershaw said on Friday. “I still want to be a part of the Dodgers. So if I can help in some small piece, I will.”
Kershaw will continue doing studio work and an occasional game work for NBC this season, though he told Jack Harris of the California Post that his TV schedule will be light.
After throwing during spring to prepare for the World Baseball Classic, Kershaw did not pitch while active for Team USA. Now, he’s focused on his post-playing days.
“There’s a freedom to retirement. If you don’t want to workout, you don’t have to. If you’re back hurts, it doesn’t matter. If you’re arm hurts, it doesn’t matter,” Kershaw said. “You get to see a lot more stuff, and be around for everything. There’s a lot of great parts. It doesn’t take away from how special this game is, but there’s a lot really awesome about being home and being done.”
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