Dodger Score is moving fast tonight as Clayton Kershaw returns to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a non-playing capacity, hired as a special assistant in the club’s front office. The move became public during opening weekend in Los Angeles, with Kershaw in town for the season-opening series against the Arizona Diamondbacks and appearing around team events. The why is simple and immediate: Kershaw says he still wants to be involved with the organization after retiring at the end of the 2025 season.
What the Dodgers role means right now
The Dodgers have hired Kershaw as a special assistant, placing the future Hall of Famer in a front office role while leaving the exact day-to-day shape of the job not fully defined. Special assistant roles can vary widely around the league, sometimes leaning ceremonial or public-facing, and other times involving direct work with major leaguers and prospects during Spring Training and through the season.
Kershaw’s retirement came at the end of the 2025 season, but his presence around the game never fully stopped. He was included on the Team USA roster for this spring’s World Baseball Classic in what was described as largely symbolic—he did not appear in a game and was removed from the roster before the semifinals.
Immediate reactions: Kershaw speaks; Friedman’s earlier approach surfaces
Kershaw framed the move in straightforward terms in comments carried by MLB. com’s Sonja Chen: “I think 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. ”
On the club leadership side, Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman had previously approached Kershaw about a role in the baseball operations department after the Dodgers’ seven-game victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. At that time, Kershaw declined, saying he did not see another full-time job in his future. The current step appears to fit that preference, aligning with a role described as special assistant rather than a full-time front office post.
Separately, Kershaw is also working as part of NBC’s new MLB crew this season. He made his broadcast debut during the Dodgers’ Opening Day win over the Diamondbacks on Thursday.
Opening weekend setting: Stadium return and ring ceremony
Kershaw’s first public-facing stretch in the new role lands inside a packed opening-weekend calendar. He is in Los Angeles this weekend for the season-opening series against Arizona. He was part of NBC’s broadcast team for the opener, and he is back at Dodger Stadium tonight for the World Series ring ceremony.
Quick context on Kershaw’s Dodgers legacy
Kershaw spent his entire MLB career with the Dodgers after the club drafted him seventh overall in the first round of the 2006 MLB Draft. He retired as an 11-time All-Star, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, and the National League MVP in 2014.
What’s next for Dodger Score: Watch for clarity on duties and on-field involvement
For now, the Dodgers have confirmed the hire, and Kershaw has confirmed intent—he wants to stay involved and contribute where he can. The next development to watch is whether the organization defines specific responsibilities around player support, Spring Training instruction, or ongoing seasonal touchpoints, as special assistant roles can be tailored in multiple directions. Until those details are clarified, dodger score stays centered on one clear reality: Kershaw is back in Dodgers colors again, this time from the front office side.
