Royals star Cole Ragans turned down an opportunity to pitch in the World Baseball Classic.
Kansas City Royals star pitcher Cole Ragans is looking to have a big 2026 MLB season after he was limited to only 13 starts in 2025. Ragans, who pitched to a 3.14 ERA in 2024 and finished fourth in American League Cy Young voting as a result, was invited to pitch for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic according to team general manager JJ Picollo. However, Picollo also shared that Ragans declined the invite so that he could spend spring training with the team and build up for the season on a normal schedule, via Jack Johnson of Locked On Royals.
Cole Ragans Looking to Bounce Back in 2026
As previously mentioned, Ragans had a tremendous 2024 campaign with the Royals. The same cannot be said about his 2025, though. Injuries limited him to only 13 total appearances, and he turned in a lackluster 4.67 ERA across those starts.
Of course, developing a rhythm in limited action is much easier said than done. It is not difficult to imagine that Ragans' limited season played a role in his underperformance. Perhaps a normal spring training will lead to a healthier -- and all-around more successful -- season in 2026.
Kansas City has a potential contending roster. In order to make serious noise in the American League Central standings, the Royals will need Cole Ragans to stay healthy and be on top of his game. He will be the ace in 2026.
Team USA's Starting Rotation will be Fine Despite Ragans' WBC Absence
Would Ragans have helped Team USA? Sure. Will the rotation be fine without him? Yes.
The reigning American League and National League Cy Young Award winners -- Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes -- will lead the rotation as co-aces. Other starters included Logan Webb, Joe Ryan and Nolan McLean.
There is an argument to be made that Team USA features its best ever starting rotation. The ball club will have a chance to rebound following its competitive 2023 loss in the WBC championship.
As for Cole Ragans, he will spend the spring with the Royals. He will have plenty of time to properly build up and prepare for the long grind that is a 162 game season. Although Royals fans surely would have been excited to see him pitch in the World Baseball Classic, Cole Ragans likely made the right decision given the way his 2025 went.