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Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman has withdrawn from the Canadian roster due to personal reasons, according to Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi.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.
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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 it has 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.
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The 2026 WBC is scheduled to begin March 5. At BetMGM, Canada has the seventh-best odds in the field to take the title at +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.