Freddie Freeman’s Sudden Exit from World Baseball Classic Sparks Speculation—What’s Really Behind It?

Here we go—Team Canada stepping into the 2026 World Baseball Classic, but without their marquee slugger, Freddie Freeman. Yep, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ first baseman, known for his stellar bat, has bowed out citing personal matters, as confirmed by Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi. That’s a serious blow given Freeman’s track record, his deep ties to Canada through his parents, and the fact he carried the maple leaf in the last two Classics. On top of that, another setback—Angels’ reliever Jordan Romano is reportedly off the roster, while the Cubs’ Jameson Taillon is the new addition, looking to fill some of that gap.

What’s intriguing is that even with Freeman out, Canada isn’t completely left in the lurch at first base. Josh Naylor, recently inked to a five-year, $92.5 million deal with the Mariners, stands ready to step up—but the loss of Freeman means the team misses out on flexing both their heavy hitters simultaneously in the designated hitter spot. Still, with talents like Bo Naylor, Tyler O’Neill, Denzel Clarke, and promising rookie Owen Caissie in the mix, Canada’s lineup remains compelling.

Opening March 5, the WBC has Canada pegged with the seventh-best odds at BetMGM (+4000). Meanwhile, Team USA looms as favorite (+110), alongside defending champs Japan and perennial powerhouses the Dominican Republic, each rated at +350. This tournament’s shaping up as a thrilling ride, even if Canada’s batting order looks a tad different this time around.

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Team Canada will enter the 2026 World Baseball Classic without its biggest bat.

Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman has withdrawn from the Canadian roster due to personal reasons, according to Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi. Los Angeles Angels reliever Jordan Romano has also reportedly pulled out, while Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jameson Taillon has joined the roster.

Freeman, a California native whose parents are Canadian, has played for Canada in the past two World Baseball Classics in 2017 and 2023. On the MLB side, the nine-time All-Star has been one of the most consistent hitters in baseball and is coming off two straight World Series titles with the Dodgers, the second at the expense of Canada’s Toronto Blue Jays.

The good news for Canada is that first base is a position where they have another great option in Josh Naylor, who signed a five-year, $92.5 million deal with the Seattle Mariners in free agency this offseason. However, the designated hitter spot would have allowed Canada to use both him and Freeman.

Among the other notable MLB players projected for Canada’s lineup are Cleveland Guardians catcher Bo Naylor, Baltimore Orioles outfielder Tyler O’Neill, Athletics outfielder Denzel Clarke and Miami Marlins prospect Owen Caissie.

The 2026 WBC is scheduled to begin March 5. Canada has the seventh-best odds in the field to take the title at BetMGM (+4000), while Team USA is the favorite at +110. Defending champion Japan (+350) and 2013 champ Dominican Republic (+350) are the field’s other heavy hitters.