Mariners Ace Bryan Woo to Skip World Baseball Classic

Pitcher prioritizes health and full MLB season over international tournament

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Seattle Mariners pitcher Bryan Woo, who had a breakout 2025 season, has decided to skip the 2026 World Baseball Classic in order to focus on his health and a full MLB campaign. Woo battled a pectoral injury late last season that limited his postseason contributions, and he wants to avoid a similar workload jump in 2026 as he aims to surpass 200 innings pitched.

Why it matters

Woo's decision to forgo the WBC highlights the difficult balance pitchers must strike between representing their home countries and preserving their bodies for the grueling MLB season. As the Mariners look to make a deep playoff run, Woo's health and durability will be crucial to their success.

The details

In 2025, Woo went 15-7 with a 2.98 ERA and 198 strikeouts, earning his first All-Star selection. However, a pectoral injury limited him to just two relief appearances in the postseason. Woo said he wants to "be smart" about his workload this year and focus on reaching his goal of 200-plus innings pitched in the MLB season.

  • In 2025, Woo went 15-7 with a 2.98 ERA and 198 strikeouts.
  • Woo was limited to just two relief appearances in the 2025 postseason due to a pectoral injury.

The players

Bryan Woo

A 26-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Seattle Mariners who had a breakout 2025 season, finishing fifth in AL Cy Young voting.

Seattle Mariners

A Major League Baseball team based in Seattle, Washington that is poised for a deep playoff run in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“I would have loved to do it, but I just wanted to be smart about mostly the workload jump from '24 to '25. You add early games, early preparation, early high-stress innings – my goal is to be throwing 200-plus innings and make all my starts. Like, that's a big jump to do this year.”

— Bryan Woo, Pitcher (MLB.com)

What’s next

With a full, healthy season, Woo is likely to have another career year, and the Mariners are poised for a deep playoff run. However, Woo's health and ability to reach his 200-inning goal will be crucial to the team's success.

The takeaway

Woo's decision to skip the World Baseball Classic highlights the difficult choices pitchers must make to balance representing their home countries and preserving their bodies for the grueling MLB season. As the Mariners aim for a World Series title, Woo's health and durability will be essential to their chances.