On Thursday night, Clayton Kershaw, now retired, took on a new role, debuting as a broadcaster during NBC’s coverage of the Dodgers’ season opener against the Diamondbacks.
The following day, Kershaw, a future Hall of Famer, revealed that he will also be serving as a special assistant within the Dodgers’ front office, though specific duties weren’t detailed.
He expressed his commitment to remain involved with the team that he called home for his entire 18-year MLB tenure, mentioning that he would “be involved in some capacity.”
“It probably wouldn’t be physically possible here in Los Angeles,” Kershaw remarked. “But I’m definitely going to watch the game. I still want to be a part of the Dodgers, so if I can help in any way I can, I will.”
This news was anticipated, considering Kershaw’s strong connection to the organization. Dodgers’ President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman had encouraged Kershaw to take on a role after his playing career concluded.
“Karsh, you may have heard,” Friedman mentioned during a podcast earlier this winter, inviting him to work with the team.
Kershaw, who joined NBC’s broadcast team in its inaugural year of airing MLB regular-season games in over a quarter-century, is expected to have a manageable television schedule.
On Thursday, he appeared on the network’s pregame show alongside Bob Costas and watched from the field during the Dodgers’ 8-2 victory over the Diamondbacks. Viewers have praised his insightful commentary during the game.
“We’re just talking baseball,” Kershaw joked. “So if people want to hear me talk about baseball, I can do that all day long. I love baseball.”
However, Kershaw noted that fans shouldn’t expect to see much of him on NBC until August, when he is slated to appear again, contingent upon availability.
“I think it’s pretty part-time,” he said. “You won’t see me on TV as much.”
This flexibility aligns with what he sought post-retirement. Reflecting on his recent transition, he humorously mentioned that he was looking forward to returning to his Texas home and spending quality time with his family after clinching a third World Series title with the Dodgers, all while approaching this new chapter without a concrete plan.
“There is freedom in retirement,” he said. “If you don’t want to work out, you don’t have to work out. If your back hurts, if your arm hurts, it doesn’t matter. You can see more, you can handle everything. So there’s a lot of great parts. It doesn’t take away from how special it is to play this game, but there are a lot of really great parts about being home.”
Kershaw made an appearance at this month’s World Baseball Classic, rejoining Team USA after missing the last tournament. Even though he didn’t pitch in an official game and held a bat on the field at Dodger Stadium, the 38-year-old affirmed his resolution to stay away from competitive play.
“I’m not interested in playing,” he remarked with a laugh. “But I like being with everyone. That’s why it’s fun.”
In his new role, Kershaw will work closely with other special assistants, including former Dodger Chase Utley and former Twins manager Rocco Baldelli.
While he confirmed that coaching is not in his future, Kershaw will be observing the team from a distance this season.
“I don’t really know much about it beyond that,” he said. “Let’s take a look.”
On Friday, he was focused on that evening’s pregame ring ceremony, excited to reunite with his former teammates on the field.
“Anytime you can celebrate with your teammates again, it’s very special,” Kershaw said. “I know they have to move on to this season, but I don’t have to. So I’m just going to continue to enjoy this season. It’s going to be great.”
