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Dodgers legend Clayton Kershaw replaced by Blue Jays reliever on Team USA's WBC squad

The future Hall of Famer gets yanked in favor of Toronto's closer.
ByMatthew Sookram|
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Oct 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Jeff Hoffman (23) celebrates after a strikeout to end the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game five of the 2025 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Oct 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Jeff Hoffman (23) celebrates after a strikeout to end the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game five of the 2025 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Jeff Hoffman is heading to the World Baseball Classic. The Latham, New York born Hoffman will suit up for Team USA as they get set to take on Hoffman's teammate, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Team Dominican Republic in the semi-finals of the tournament on Sunday, at 8 p.m.

Hoffman is taking the place of LA Dodgers legend and three-time Cy Young award winner Clayton Kershaw, who didn't appear in any of Team USA's games during pool play, and also didn't pitch in the quarterfinal game on Friday night against Team Canada. The future Hall of Famer announced his retirement from MLB competition, saying 2025 was going to be his last year, but also said playing for Team USA in the WBC was a bucket list item.

While Kershaw didn't get into a game, he still goes out on top, securing a second World Series ring with the Dodgers, as they bested Hoffman and the Blue Jays in the 2025 World Series. So now Hoffman will get a chance to try and win a championship before the 2026 season even gets going.

Hoffman is coming off his first season of a three-year $33 million deal he signed with the Blue Jays ahead of the 2025 season. He had an up and down year during the regular season. He allowed just two earned runs through the first month of the year, pitching in 15.1 innings while striking out 22 hitters. Both earned runs came via the long ball though, and that was a prelude to a season long issue.

He would allow a league high (by a reliever) 15 home runs, but had stints where he was absolutely lights out, and other periods where he struggled mightily. His 1.99 HR/9 was his highest since becoming a full-time reliever and the 15 home runs were one more than he'd given up in the previous three seasons combined.

However, he bounced back in the postseason. In 12.1 innings pitched, Hoffman struck out 18 batters, allowed just two earned runs on six hits and was almost perfect from start to finish. Unfortunately, the lone home run he allowed was the one-out home run in the top of ninth of Game 7 of the World Series to Miguel Rojas which tied that game 4-4.

Hoping to put that behind him, Hoffman has pitched two perfect innings in Grapefruit League action for the Blue Jays. He has three strike outs, no walks and maybe most importantly, hasn't allowed a home run. He's joining a Team USA sqaud who is looking to get back to the finals of the WBC and avenge their loss from 2023 when they fell in that final game to Team Japan.

But they'll have their hands full as they take on a loaded Team D.R. who leads the tournament with 14 home runs, 50 RBIs, and a .312 team batting average.

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