Bold takeaway: Even as a rising star, Bryan Woo is choosing to protect his workload now to reach and sustain 200+ innings, not chase every opportunity that comes his way. And this decision could reshape how the Mariners balance risk and reward this season.
Seattle Mariners ace Bryan Woo has reportedly turned down an invitation to pitch for Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. The move, described by MLB.com’s Daniel Kramer, reflects Woo’s intention to manage his workload smartly after a breakout 2025 campaign. Woo logged a career-high 186 2/3 innings in 2025, a noticeable jump from the combined 135 1/3 innings across the majors and minors in 2024 and the 131 2/3 innings he totaled in 2023.
“I would have loved to do it,” Woo said, per Kramer. “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. As much as I’d love to be on that team, in that locker room, I’m just trying to be smart about it.”
Now 26, Woo emerged as Seattle’s top pitcher in 2025, finishing in the top five in several key categories: ERA (2.94, fifth), WHIP (0.93, third), opponents’ batting average (.200, tied for third), strikeouts (198, fifth), and innings pitched (186 2/3, seventh).
His season wasn’t completely injury-free. A right pectoral inflammation sidelined him for nearly a month after a Sept. 19 start, though he returned to pitch in two ALCS games (Games 5 and 7) out of the bullpen. Woo previously endured Tommy John surgery in 2021, a fact that looms large when considering his long-term durability and workload planning.
Among Mariners who will be participating in the WBC are catcher Cal Raleigh (USA), outfielder Julio Rodríguez (Dominican Republic), first baseman Josh Naylor (Canada), outfielder Randy Arozarena (Mexico), closer Andrés Muñoz (Mexico), relief pitchers Gabe Speier (USA) and Eduard Bazardo (Venezuela), and a few others including outfielder Dominic Canzone (Italy), utilityman Miles Mastrobuoni (Italy), and infield/outfield prospect Michael Arroyo (Colombia).
Woo added that if he’d enjoyed a couple of injury-free seasons with stable workloads, his stance might be different. For now, he’s prioritizing staying healthy enough to pitch deep into the season and keep his future goals on track.
Other Mariners notes and coverage around the WBC and spring training continue to roll in, with angles on Cal Raleigh’s video-game cover moment, how Brendan Donovan is fitting in, and discussions about the team’s overall readiness for 2026.
Follow-up thought: Do you think skipping the WBC is the right call for a pitcher aiming for a heavy regular-season workload, or should players seize every opportunity to compete on the international stage? Share your perspective in the comments.
