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Future Hall of Famer Returns as Special Assistant for the Dodgers

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Katherine Wacker | Last updated Mar 27, 2026 11:03 PM ET

First Ballot Hall of Fame pitcher Clayton Kershaw may be done toeing the rubber for the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, he will continue serving the organization in a different role. Kershaw will return as a special assistant for the Dodgers, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. The scope and capacity of the role are yet to be determined. The left-hander retired at the end of last season after winning a third World Series ring with the team that drafted him 18 years ago.

Clayton Kershaw Hired as Special Assistant with Dodgers

Not Resting on His Laurels

This responsibility will be in addition to his broadcast role at NBC’s Sunday Night Baseball. The three-time Cy Young Award winner made his debut on Opening Night at Dodger Stadium to rave reviews. Seated next to the home dugout, Kershaw offered color commentary and personal insights on a game with which he is very much acquainted, although he called his perch “unfamiliar.” The left-hander watched his former team dispatch the Arizona Diamondbacks in a lopsided 8-2 win.

Clayton Kershaw has officially been brought on as a Dodgers special assistant. What that means going forward is fluid, but the organization obviously wasn’t shy they want to keep him involved.

— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) March 27, 2026

Making the Most of Retirement

The announcement of the new position with the Dodgers coincides with Ring Night as Los Angeles continues to celebrate back-to-back World Series wins. Kershaw, who was seen on the field before the festivities, didn’t provide specifics. He did comment, “…I’ll be involved. I still want to be a part of the Dodgers, so if I can help in some small piece, I will.” The Dodgers have made it very clear that they want Kershaw’s input going forward. His clubhouse leadership was invaluable during his playing career. It seems his influence in the organization will continue for the foreseeable future.

Passing the Knowledge

Now players will have the benefit of learning from the starting pitcher with the best WAR rating in the live ball era. Kershaw may not be in a Dodger uniform anymore, but he is still contributing to the game he loves.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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