Brewers: Corbin Burnes will not pitch in 2023 WBC

The 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC) is rapidly approaching.  A handful of Brewers will be participating in the event including Devin Williams, Sal Frelick, Abraham Toro, Luis Urias, and Rowdy Tellez.  One player who will not be partaking in the event is ace Corbin Burnes.  He has turned down the opportunity.  

In Bob Nightengale’s latest news column, he reports that Burnes plans to focus on being ready for opening day and another fully healthy season.  

Brewers ace Corbin Burnes will not pitch in the 2023 WBC. 

Here is a quote from Burnes regarding his thoughts on sitting out of the WBC and instead focusing on the upcoming season.  He was being heavily recruited by Team USA.

“Right now, I’m prioritizing the season and I’m making sure I’m ready to go on opening day for another fully healthy season.’’ 

Burnes was the only starting pitcher in the Brewers rotation last season to not miss a start.  As a result he ended up throwing more than 200 innings and leading the National League in strikeouts.  

MLB Network currently has Burnes as the top starting pitcher in the league.  He would be a tremendous asset to Team USA, but instead he will focus on staying healthy and getting prepared for opening day with the Brewers.