The Dodgers and Yankees face off for a big World Series, but one of the biggest names (Clayton Kershaw) is unavailable to pitch.

Kershaw has played for the Dodgers since 2008, won the Cy Young Award three times and even became the National League Most Valuable Player in 2014.

He is one of the most recognizable names in baseball and has made Los Angeles one of the most dominant powerhouses over the past decade. He won the World Series with the organization during the shortened 2020 season, but unfortunately he will not get a chance to help his team this time.

2020 MLB SEASON: It was so easy for Clayton Kershaw to win a World Series

While things didn’t always go well for Kershaw in the playoffs, his veteran presence will be missed for Los Angeles.

Kershaw, who was an All-Star in each of the previous two seasons, pitched just seven games in 2024. After a shockingly poor performance in the playoffs last year, he was coming off offseason shoulder surgery.

He hasn’t pitched since August, when he was placed on the injured list with a bone spur in his left big toe. Kershaw was officially ruled out for the entire postseason.

The 36-year-old said he plans to return next season to take advantage of his surgery. However, he could become a free agent and may not return to the Dodgers because they have such a crowded starting rotation.

He has been a longtime star and has racked up a record 2,968 strikeouts during his MLB career. He could become one of only 20 pitchers in league history to reach the 3,000 strikeout milestone next season.

DIVE DEEPER FOR WIN: Start your day with The Morning Win newsletter for columns, insights and irreverent musings from the worlds of sports and pop culture