Team USA GM on Clayton Kershaw: "We wanted Clayton to be part of this...He wanted to wear USA across his chest"

The loss of Clayton Kershaw from the 2023 World Baseball Classic will be a major blow for Team USA. The 34-year-old will miss out on the tournament due to an issue with his insurance policy.

The Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher is a nine-time All-Star, former MVP and World Series champion. He was also the only pitcher on the USA roster to have won a Cy Young Award, a feat he achieved on three different occasions.

According to a recent USA Today article, Kershaw is extremely disappointed to be missing out on his first-ever World Baseball Classic. Tony Reagins, Team USA's general manager, also expressed his disappointment at Kershaw's inability to join the team:

"We wanted Clayton to be part of this...He wanted to wear USA across his chest"

Kershaw, who was a free agent at the end of 2022, recently signed a one-year, $20 million extension with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

"Clayton Kershaw has removed himself from the World Baseball Classic" - Talkin Baseball

With less than a month until the opening game of the tournament, USA has yet to name a replacement for Kershaw. New York Yankees All-Star pitcher Nestor Cortes also pulled out earlier this month due to a hamstring issue.

Clayton Kershaw has missed significant time due to injuries in 2021 and 2022

Clayton Kershaw reacts in game two of the National League Division Series against the San Diego Padres

Since making his debut with the Dodgers in 2008, Kershaw has been one of the most consistent and dependable players. During his 15-year career, the lefty has a 197-87 record over 398 starts. Overall, he has an impressive 2.48 ERA and has held opposing hitters to a .209 average.

"Clayton Kershaw’s no-hitter was eight years ago today" - Talkin' Baseball

Kershaw missed a portion of 2022 with a back injury. He pitched only 121.2 innings in 2021. That was likely one of the main reasons the insurance company did not clear him.

Kershaw insists that he is "100% healthy," and ready to go for the regular season.

"It’s definitely surprising...nothing is wrong with me," said Kershaw

The tournament will take place from March 8-21. Alongside Japan and Taiwan, the USA will be one of the three hosts of the fifth edition of the tournament. They will go in search of their second WBC championship after winning their first title in 2017.