Kershaw decided to join Team USA for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, fulfilling a goal he had previously been unable to achieve. Kershaw hoped to pitch in the 2023 WBC, but was unable to secure an insurance policy for it. Kershaw pitched in one of the exhibition games for USA, but he was on the roster more as a 'break glass in case of emergency' option.
Kershaw became part of an exclusive club against the Chicago White Sox on July 2, becoming one of just 20 pitchers - and only four left-handers - to reach 3,000 MLB strikeouts. Topps released the card after Kershaw reached milestone, and made it available for purchase for a limited time.
Less than two years later, the 20-year-old made his major league debut, giving up two runs and striking out seven in six innings as he fired 97 mph fastballs and a big curveball, impressing then-Dodgers manager Joe Torre. "He's the real deal," the Hall of Fame skipper said. Kershaw was still a work in progress, working on his command and relying almost exclusively on only those two pitches until he started throwing his slider the following season.
Kershaw shared a post with his new daughter, Chloe Peach Kershaw, alongside his wife and four children -- Cali Ann, Charley, Cooper and Chance. Noted Dodgers fan and tennis legend Billie Jean King was among those to congratulate Kershaw in the post's comments. "She's perfect and her brothers and sister are obsessed with her. We are grateful for the gift of her life!" Kershaw wrote in the Instagram post.
