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LOS ANGELES — Even in retirement, Clayton Kershaw remains very much on the minds of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
By Earl Heath | Contributing Sports Writer
LOS ANGELES — Even in retirement, Clayton Kershaw remains very much on the minds of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Shortly after reports surfaced that the future Hall of Famer was close to joining NBC as part of its Major League Baseball coverage, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman made it clear the organization would love to keep Kershaw around — in any capacity.
“Hopefully we’re fortunate enough to get him to work with us,” Friedman said recently 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.”
Life After Baseball
Kershaw officially retired following the 2025 season, closing the book on one of the most decorated careers in franchise history. Soon after, Front Office Sports reporter Ran Glasspiegel reported that Kershaw was nearing a deal with NBC to contribute to its MLB broadcasts in the upcoming season.
While broadcasting is clearly on the table, Kershaw revealed that Friedman had approached him earlier in the offseason about a possible role with the Dodgers as well — though nothing formal has been defined.
“He mentioned something where I could hang out,” Kershaw said with a laugh. “That’s good, man. I don’t know what that looks like. But this is a special organization.”
A Lasting Bond With the Dodgers
Kershaw spent his entire MLB career with the Dodgers, becoming the face of the franchise for more than a decade. A three-time Cy Young Award winner, MVP, World Series champion and longtime community leader, his presence extended far beyond the mound.
“They don’t need me to win World Series,” Kershaw said. “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.”
Those words reflect the mutual respect between Kershaw and the organization — a relationship that Friedman and the front office clearly hope will continue, even if it looks different than before.
Family First, For Now
For the moment, however, Kershaw says his priority is at home. The veteran left-hander and his wife are expecting their fifth child, and he has no plans to jump into a full-time role anytime soon.
“I think first and foremost is for me to have this fifth kid and be a dad for awhile,” Kershaw said. “I don’t think there’s any full-time jobs in my immediate future.”
Whether that future includes a seat in the broadcast booth, a presence around Dodger Stadium, or both, one thing is certain: the Dodgers aren’t ready to say goodbye just yet — and Clayton Kershaw isn’t closing the door on staying part of the organization that defined his legendary career.