Freddie Freeman has withdrawn from Team Canada’s 2026 WBC roster for personal reasons. Punters should expect Canada’s futures and Pool A odds to lengthen; consider reducing exposure to Canada moneyline bets and looking for value on stronger Pool A teams or team-USA futures.
Freddie Freeman Withdraws from 2026 World Baseball Classic
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman has withdrawn from Team Canada’s roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, citing personal reasons. The MLB veteran had represented Canada at the 2017 and 2023 WBCs and will not be available for Pool A play in Puerto Rico.
Impact on Team Canada
Freeman’s absence leaves a significant hole in Canada’s lineup and veteran leadership. Canada finished 2-2 at the 2023 WBC and failed to advance from pool play; losing an elite middle-of-the-order bat and run producer raises questions about Canada’s ability to compete with Cuba, Puerto Rico, Panama and Colombia in Pool A.
Betting Implications and Market Outlook
Expect Canada’s futures and Pool A market prices to drift after this news. Punters should reassess Canada moneyline exposure in pool games and may find better value backing stronger Pool A contenders or shifting small stakes to team-USA futures. In-play and prop markets involving Canada’s run totals and individual offensive props for remaining hitters could also move downward.
Freeman’s Recent Form and Career Highlights
Freeman helped the Dodgers to consecutive World Series titles in 2024 and 2025, earning World Series MVP honors in 2025. He previously won a World Series with the Atlanta Braves in 2021 and was National League MVP in 2020. Across 16 MLB seasons he’s a nine-time All-Star with three Silver Slugger awards and one Gold Glove. At the 2023 WBC he went 2-for-10 with one RBI in three games.
Potential Replacements and Roster Notes
Team Canada’s roster is still being finalized. There is reported interest in Cleveland Guardians players Bo Naylor, Cade Smith and Eric Sabrowski, any of whom could bolster catcher and pitching depth. Final roster decisions and role assignments will shape Canada’s lineup construction and bench options.
WBC Pool A Outlook
Pool A features Canada, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Panama and Colombia. Canada opens against Colombia on March 7 in Puerto Rico; pool play begins March 4. With Freeman out, Canada’s path to advancement becomes more dependent on pitching depth and timely hitting from other veterans and emerging players. Betting markets and odds for both pool advancement and individual matchups should react as rosters are confirmed.
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Los Angeles Dodgers star and three-time MLB World Series champion Freddie Freeman has withdrawn from playing for his native Team Canada at the 2026 World Baseball Classic in March, according to Sportsnet's Shi Davidi.
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