Report: Canada's Freeman withdraws from WBC for personal reasons

Team Canada will be without its best bat at the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

First baseman Freddie Freeman has withdrawn from the tournament for personal reasons, reports Sportsnet's Shi Davidi.

Freeman, a three-time Silver Slugger and the 2020 NL MVP, is from the United States but holds dual citizenship because his parents were born in Canada. He previously represented Canada at the 2017 and 2023 World Baseball Classics.

The 36-year-old slashed .295/.367/.502 with 24 home runs, 39 doubles, and 90 RBIs last season, helping the Los Angeles Dodgers win their second straight World Series.

With Freeman out, Seattle Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor and Baltimore Orioles outfielder Tyler O'Neill project to anchor Canada's lineup.

Canada has never advanced past the first round in five World Baseball Classics. It's in Pool A with Puerto Rico, Cuba, Panama, and Colombia for the 2026 tournament, which begins March 5.