Clayton Kershaw Exits World Baseball Classic Roster as Jeff Hoffman Joins Team USA

In a significant roster adjustment, Team USA has replaced veteran pitcher Clayton Kershaw with reliever Jeff Hoffman for the World Baseball Classic (WBC) semifinals against the Dominican Republic. This decision follows the U.S. team's quarterfinal victory over Canada, where they won 5-3. Kershaw, a three-time National League Cy Young Award winner, had come out of retirement to participate in the tournament but did not pitch in any of the five games played by Team USA.

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Clayton Kershaw, who retired after the 2025 MLB season, expressed his desire to represent Team USA as a "bucket list item." Despite his enthusiasm, he did not see any game action throughout the tournament, with his only appearance being in a pre-tournament exhibition against the Colorado Rockies. Kershaw will remain with the team in a supportive role despite being removed from the active roster.

New York Post

Jeff Hoffman, a 33-year-old right-hander who played for the Toronto Blue Jays last season, joins Team USA with a record of 9-7 and a 4.37 ERA over 71 games. His postseason performance was notable, featuring a 1.46 ERA across 12.1 innings. If called upon, this will mark Hoffman's first appearance in a World Baseball Classic.

Team USA picks Clayton Kershaw’s WBC roster replacement

Team USA manager Mark DeRosa had previously indicated uncertainty about Kershaw's role, stating, "I would love to get Clayton a little run, but it's win or go home." The decision to replace Kershaw with Hoffman appears to be a strategic move aimed at enhancing the team's competitive edge as they face a formidable Dominican Republic lineup.

Clayton Kershaw’s scheduled WBC exit has Dodgers fans wondering what the point was

Kershaw's lack of game participation has drawn criticism from fans and commentators alike, with some questioning the rationale behind his inclusion in the roster. Observers have suggested that his presence may have been more ceremonial than practical, leading to sentiments that his participation was a public relations effort rather than a genuine competitive strategy. Fans have expressed frustration, noting that players from other countries demonstrate a stronger commitment to the tournament.

Team USA sends classy message to Clayton Kershaw after WBC exit

As Team USA prepares for the semifinal matchup against the Dominican Republic, they will rely on their best pitcher, Paul Skenes, to lead the charge. The outcome of this game will determine whether the team advances to the finals, where they would face further scrutiny regarding their roster decisions and overall performance in the tournament.

Newsweek

• “I’m definitely glad I did it,” — Clayton Kershaw, reflecting on his experience with Team USA.

New York Post

• “Players from other countries would fight tooth and nail for this opportunity,” — Fan comment on social media regarding Team USA's commitment.

Newsweek