Why aren’t Aaron Judge and Clayton Kershaw playing in the 2023 World Baseball Classic?

Team USA is fielding some of the biggest superstars in the MLB in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, including team captain Mike Trout, Mookie Betts, and Pete Alonso. There are also some conspicuous absences, namely that of Los Angeles Dodgers star pitcher Clayton Kershaw and New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge.

A matter of insurance

Kershaw was disappointed that he would be unable to participate, as he is aware that at 34 years of age, it could be his last chance to play in the international tournament, which is held every four years.

“I really wanted to be a part of that group, probably my last chance to get to do it. I really wanted to do it, but it just didn’t work out for a number of reasons,” he said.

According to The Athletic, Kershaw had to remove himself from the roster after being unable to acquire medical insurance that would enable him to play. The left-handed pitcher has a history of back and elbow injuries, but is currently healthy.

Players are required to get insurance to protect against injury before they are allowed by a major league team to join international competitions.

Aaron Judge’s priority

In the case of Aaron Judge, it was a matter of priorities. The 30-year-old had just been named the captain of the Yankees, which did not have a captain since Derek Jeter retired in 2014. Given the responsibility that he now bears, and the huge contract he just signed with the team, he decided to forego the World Baseball Classic and focus on the coming season.

“My focus is on New York and especially being named captain, I didn’t want to miss any time at spring training,” according to Judge.

He said he wanted to get to know the younger players, be present for them, and make them feel at ease in the team.