January 15, 2026

It seems Clayton Kershaw hasn’t thrown his final pitch yet. Major League Baseball announced on Thursday that Kershaw is set to pitch for Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, an international tournament that could mark a farewell to his illustrious career. The WBC is set to kick off on March 4.

“I just want to serve as an insurance policy,” Kershaw shared with MLB Network. “If anyone needs a rest, or if they want me to pitch back-to-back-to-back, or even if I’m not needed at all, I just want to be there. I aim to be part of this team. I’ve learned over the years that being part of something great is what matters. This team appears to be a fantastic and fun group. I’ve played alongside many of these coaches; they’re great teammates and friends, making it exciting.”

As Kershaw approaches 38 in March, he had previously stated his intention to retire following the 2025 season, which concluded with another championship for the Los Angeles Dodgers. His last game came in Game 3 of the World Series, where he entered the bullpen with two outs and the bases loaded in the 12th inning, successfully keeping the Toronto Blue Jays scoreless, leading to his team’s triumph six innings later.

In 2025, Kershaw’s pitching was notably affected, yet he still managed an impressive 11-2 record with a 3.36 ERA. During the postseason, he primarily served as an emergency option when the Dodgers needed innings filled. This is expected to be his role for Team USA, which boasts several of the sport’s elite starting pitchers.

Other notable pitchers such as Paul Skenes, Tarik Skubal, Logan Webb, Joe Ryan, Nolan McLean, and Clay Holmes are also set to represent Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, albeit under strict pitch counts due to the tournament occurring during spring training.

When initially approached by Team USA manager Mark DeRosa regarding the WBC, Kershaw assumed he was being considered for a coaching position.

“Honestly, I wasn’t particularly keen on throwing a baseball again,” Kershaw admitted to MLB Network. “But I started throwing about 10 to 12 days ago, and it felt alright. So I think I’ll manage.”

Kershaw had intended to pitch in the 2023 World Baseball Classic but ultimately opted out due to difficulties in securing insurance for his contract, likely a result of his extensive injury history.

Chelsea is set to support Liam Rosenior with a new center back this January, while Atlético Madrid may look to replace Conor Gallagher with Wolves’ João Gomes.

Stay with us for the most recent transfer news and rumors from across the globe.

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TRANSFERS TO WATCH

TRENDING RUMORS

– Chelsea is looking to secure a center back this January to assist new head coach Liam Rosenior, as reported by the Telegraph’s Matt Law. The former coach Enzo Maresca had sought new talent for this position last summer, but his suggestion was declined. also, the Blues aim to enhance their midfield and attacking options in the summer but remain open to prospects this month. Players like Rennes’ Jérémy Jacquet and Como’s Jacobo Ramón have emerged as potential center-back targets.

– Atlético Madrid is poised to compete with Manchester United and Napoli for João Gomes, according to ESPN Brasil sources. With Wolves struggling at the bottom of the Premier League, Gomes is anticipated to transfer in the summer. Following the departure of Conor Gallagher to Tottenham for approximately £35 million, Atlético seeks a new central midfielder and has the financial capacity to pursue Gomes this month.

– Chelsea’s midfielder Enzo Fernández has captured the attention of Paris Saint-Germain, according to L’Equipe. Following the managerial changes at Chelsea, PSG is rumored to view it as an opportune moment to make a move. Fernández has amassed 145 appearances for Chelsea since his high-profile €121 million transfer. but, PSG will not pursue a deal within this window.

– Bournemouth has funds available following Antoine Semenyo‘s move to Manchester City, and sources suggest they are in the running to sign teenage striker Rayan from Vasco da Gama. Reports indicate that the Brazilian club is asking for €50 million for Rayan, while Bournemouth is prepared to offer €35 million.

– Manchester United and Manchester City are closely monitoring Bournemouth star Alex Scott, per TeamTalk. With just over two years remaining on his contract, the 22-year-old might be available at a reduced rate in the summer. Aston Villa and Tottenham are also tracking his progress, although Tottenham’s recent acquisition of Gallagher could alter their strategies. Bournemouth is aware of interest from other clubs and plans to propose a new deal to Scott.

– Everton has made a €20 million offer for Fenerbahçe’s forward Youssef En-Nesyri, as revealed by Fabrizio Romano. Discussions are already in progress as the Toffees aim to strengthen their attacking options before the transfer window closes. En-Nesyri, 28, has also drawn attention from Nottingham Forest this month, though Olympiacos’ Mehdi Taremi has recently become their focused striker target, according to The Athletic.

DONE DEALS

– West Ham Women have acquired Amber Tysiak from Union Berlin for an undisclosed fee.

EXPERT TAKE

ESPN’s expert scout Tor-Kristian Karlsen highlights seven players who would make excellent signings for any team this month. Here’s his evaluation of 19-year-old RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande:

Diomande’s inaugural season at Leipzig has positioned him as one of the most promising young attackers in Europe, making him a prime target for big-spending clubs. He has the potential to create significant impact from both flanks.

His effectiveness shines especially when cutting inside; Diomande’s rapid directional shifts, strong balance, impressive determination, exceptional first step, and precise close control make him tough for defenders to manage.

While his defensive skills still need refinement, his breakout has captured the attention of top clubs, with Bayern Munich reportedly among those interested. His transfer fee is likely to be around €80 million.

OTHER RUMORS

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Would Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández be a wise choice for PSG?

Gab Marcotti and Sam Tighe analyze PSG’s reported interest in Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández.

– Santos full back Souza is anticipated to undergo a medical at Tottenham on Thursday as part of his £13m transfer to the club. (Sky Sports)

– FootballLondon reports that Arsenal views Ethan Nwaneri as unavailable for loan this month. Both West Ham and Bournemouth have shown interest in the promising young midfielder.

– Brentford is nearing an agreement to acquire Lazio’s Matteo Cancellieri, with a fee around €18 million expected to be finalized on Thursday. (La Gazzetta Dello Sport)

– Crystal Palace is in discussions with Angers regarding a permanent transfer for attacker Sidiki Cherif. (Sky Sports)

– Wolves midfielder Marshall Munetsi is poised to move to Paris FC on loan until the season concludes. The Zimbabwean is no longer part of Wolves manager Rob Edwards’ plans. (L’Equipe)

– Everton, Werder Bremen, and Ajax are all closely observing Shakhtar Donetsk full-back Yukhym Konoplya, who is likely to become a free agent this summer. Bremen has already engaged in talks with the 26-year-old. (Sky Germany)

– Andreas Skov Olsen‘s loan to Rangers is confirmed after a complete agreement with Wolfsburg. A medical is scheduled for Thursday in Glasgow. (Sky Germany)

– Discussions are ongoing between PSG and Ousmane Dembélé regarding a new contract, although no formal proposal has been made yet. (Fabrizio Romano)

– Celtic, Royal Antwerp, and Derby County have all shown interest in acquiring David Datro Fofana, who is anticipated to permanently leave Chelsea this month. (Fabrizio Romano)

– Inter Milan is close to finalizing a deal to sign Hajduk Split defender Branimir Mlačić for roughly €5 million. (Fabrizio Romano)

– Recent reports claiming a break clause in Oleksandr Zinchenko‘s Nottingham Forest loan are inaccurate; he remains tied to Arsenal. (The Sun)

– Galatasaray plans to offer Youssouf Fofana a €5 million per year contract in an attempt to lure him away from AC Milan. (Nicolo Schira)

– The Portland Timbers are negotiating to sign winger Javairǒ Dilrosun, who had a loan stint at LAFC last season. (Tom Bogert)

– The Houston Dynamo are nearing a deal to sign Polish international Mateusz Bogusz from Cruz Azul. (Tom Bogert)

– FC Köln is interested in signing Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil on a free transfer come the end of the season. (Sky Sports)

DALLAS — Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg is regarded as doubtful for the home matchup against the Utah Jazz on Thursday night due to a left ankle sprain.

This season, the only game Flagg, the first overall pick, was unable to play was due to illness during the Nov. 19 defeat against the New York Knicks.

Flagg sustained the injury in the second quarter of Wednesday’s game against the Denver Nuggets.

The injury occurred as Flagg defended Denver’s Peyton Watson during a drive with 6:01 left in the second quarter.

After being called for a foul, he limped off the court, with Mavs athletic trainer Jana Austin closely following him. He did return to the game with 2:35 remaining in the quarter but appeared to be in discomfort several times while on the court.

Flagg did not come back after halftime. The team announced early in the third quarter that Flagg, who is the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year, averaging 18.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, would not return for the rest of the game.

This marks the second consecutive game that Flagg has twisted that ankle. He had previously played in Monday’s victory over the Brooklyn Nets after getting the ankle re-taped.