Clayton Kershaw Says Tarik Skubal 'Wants To Be The Best'

Clayton Kershaw met Los Angeles Dodgers' newest ace, Tarik Skubal, during the Dodgers' trade deadline. The meeting took place while both were representing Team USA at the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Skubal, despite his brief stint with Team USA, left a strong impression on Kershaw. "He wants to be great," Kershaw said. "I think that comes out in how he talks and how he prepares. You can tell he wants to be the best."

Kershaw, a three-time Cy Young Award winner and future Hall of Famer, is one of the best pitchers in Dodgers' history. Skubal, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, expressed his desire to join that elite group. During their meeting, Skubal asked Kershaw about his own career, hoping to glean insights into the process that made Kershaw so successful. "He’s the best left-hander ever, right?" Skubal inquired. Kershaw's advice on achieving greatness was invaluable to Skubal.

Though Skubal may not be with the Dodgers beyond this season, as he is a free agent at the end of the year and has expressed interest in returning to the Detroit Tigers, playing for the defending back-to-back World Series champions provides him with a golden opportunity. He has yet to win a World Series championship, a goal he aims to accomplish this season with the Dodgers.