Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jesús Luzardo has decided not to compete in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, a choice he recently addressed during an appearance on MLB Network.
Luzardo admitted the decision was difficult, especially because of how much representing Venezuela means to him and his family. However, he explained that after logging the heaviest workload of his career last season, stepping away from international competition felt like the smartest move at this point in his career.
Coming off a career-high 183.2 innings pitched and matching his personal best with 32 starts in 2025, Luzardo said he needed to prioritize his health. With free agency approaching after the 2026 season, the left-hander felt it was more sensible to focus on preparing for a pivotal year rather than risk additional wear and tear.
Despite passing on the opportunity, Luzardo emphasized that the decision was not easy and expressed hope that he will be able to represent Venezuela in a future World Baseball Classic, possibly in several years.
On the field, Luzardo delivered a solid 2025 campaign. While his 3.92 ERA was unspectacular, he posted a career-best 216 strikeouts, highlighting his ability to miss bats. Improving his run prevention will be a goal in 2026, but his strikeout production remains a major positive.
The upcoming season carries added importance, as Luzardo is entering a contract year. He and the Phillies recently agreed to an $11 million deal for 2026 to avoid arbitration, and a strong performance could significantly impact his value heading into free agency next offseason.
Although skipping the World Baseball Classic was a tough call, Luzardo appears focused on staying healthy and positioning himself for long-term success, with the possibility of returning to the international stage in the future.
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