Freddie Freeman Withdraws from World Baseball Classic
Freddie Freeman has decided to step back from participating in the upcoming World Baseball Classic this March.
The 36-year-old announced that he would not be representing Canada, citing “personal reasons,” as reported by Sportsnet. This news came out on a Saturday.
It seems that relief pitcher Jordan Romano will also miss the tournament.
With Freeman withdrawing, it’s likely that Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor will take his position for Team Canada during the event.
While his reasons for withdrawing remain somewhat ambiguous, Freeman had previously expressed a desire to join the Canadian team. He mentioned dealing with a “minor medical issue,” as noted by Baseball Canada back in December.
Despite the anticipation to play, Canadian coach Ernie Witt confirmed that Freeman wouldn’t participate, stating he was undergoing certain procedures.
The specifics surrounding Freeman’s health issues aren’t entirely clear, but he dealt with various injuries last MLB season, including a nagging ankle problem that lingered from the 2024 season.
Freeman, who originally hails from California, holds Canadian citizenship thanks to his parents. He has previously played for Canada in the WBC in both 2017 and 2023.
Even with his injuries, Freeman had a commendable 2025 season with the Dodgers, boasting a .295/.367/.502 batting line, 39 doubles, and 24 home runs, which played a big part in helping Los Angeles capture its second consecutive World Series title.
Reflecting on his win in Canada last fall, Freeman shared how meaningful it was for him, especially considering his late mother’s Toronto roots. He candidly expressed that visiting Toronto always gives him butterflies, as it reminds him of his mother’s childhood and life there.
“When I go back to Toronto, I always have little butterflies in my stomach because that’s where my mother grew up,” he noted in an appearance on the 6-1-1 Podcast. “It takes your mind off everything for a moment and makes you appreciate being in a place connected to her.”
