Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman, who has played for Team Canada in each of the last two World Baseball Classic, has withdrawn from this year’s tournament for personal reasons.
Shi Davidi of Sportsnet relayed the news on Freeman and provided other Team Canada News.
Freeman is a nine-time All-Star and three-time World Series champion. He was born in California and holds dual Canadian and American citizenship because his parents were born in Canada.
Losing Freeman is a tough blow. Last year, the 36-year-old hit .295 (.869 OPS) with 24 home runs and 90 RBI en route to another World Series title. He also continued his clutch performances in the World Series, hitting a game-winning home run in the 18th inning to end a classic Game 3 victory, 6-5.
Canada does have a great first baseman in Josh Naylor, who will assuredly play the position at this point. However, Freeman would have been an anchor in the lineup, and now Canada will have to regroup.
Canada is looking to make the knockout stage of the World Baseball Classic for the first time ever. The 2023 team fell just short of that feat, going 2-2 and finishing one game behind Mexico and United States, who tied for first in Pool C play.
This year, Canada is in Pool A with Panama, Colombia, Puerto Rico and Cuba. The top two teams will advance to the knockout round. Canada’s first game is March 7 vs. Colombia.