Freddie Freeman withdraws from Canada's World Baseball Classic roster for personal reasons

Freddie Freeman has withdrawn from Team Canada's 2026 World Baseball Classic roster for personal reasons, according to Sportsnet's Shi Davidi; Jameson Taillon has been added and Jordan Romano has reportedly also pulled out.

Freddie Freeman has withdrawn from Team Canada's roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, announced by Sportsnet's Shi Davidi. Freeman, a nine-time All-Star and Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman, represented Canada in the 2017 and 2023 tournaments. The withdrawal was described as for personal reasons. The tournament is scheduled to begin March 5, 2026. Roster changes: - Freddie Freeman has withdrawn from Team Canada's 2026 WBC roster for personal reasons, per Sportsnet's Shi Davidi. - Los Angeles Angels reliever Jordan Romano has reportedly also pulled out. - Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jameson Taillon has been added to the roster. - Freeman is a California native whose parents are Canadian and he played for Canada in 2017 and 2023. - Josh Naylor is available at first base, and other players projected for Canada's lineup include Bo Naylor, Tyler O'Neill, Denzel Clarke and prospect Owen Caissie. - The 2026 WBC begins March 5, and BetMGM lists Canada with the seventh-best odds in the field. Summary: Freeman's withdrawal removes a veteran bat from Canada's lineup and affects options for the designated hitter role. Roster additions and further changes have been reported ahead of the tournament. Undetermined at this time.