Team Canada will play in the 2026 World Baseball Classic without its biggest bats.
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman has withdrawn from the Canadian team roster due to personal reasons, according to Sportsnet reporter David Shih. Los Angeles Angels reliever Jordan Romano has also reportedly exited the game, while Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jameson Taillon has also been added to the roster.
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Freeman is a Californian whose parents are Canadian and has represented Canada in two World Baseball Classics in 2017 and 2023. On the MLB side, the nine-time All-Star was one of the most consistent hitters in baseball and won two consecutive World Series championships with the Dodgers, the second coming against Canada’s Toronto Blue Jays.
The good news for the Canadiens is that they have another good option at first base in Josh Naylor, who signed a five-year, $92.5 million contract with the Seattle Mariners as a free agent this offseason. However, the designated hitter position would allow Canada to use both him and Freeman.
Other notable MLB players on the Canadian roster include Cleveland Defenders catcher Beau Naylor, Baltimore Orioles outfielder Tyler O’Neal, Athletics outfielder Denzel Clark and Miami Marlins rookie Owen Casey.
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The 2026 WBC competition is scheduled to begin on March 5. Canada’s odds to win are the seventh-best in the field at +4000, while Team USA is the favorite at +110. Defending champion Japan (+350) and 2013 champion Dominican Republic (+350) are the other heavyweights in the field.