Team Canada will be without its most formidable offensive presence for the upcoming 2026 World Baseball Classic, as Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman has withdrawn from the roster for personal reasons. The news, reported by Sportsnet's Shi Davidi, deals a significant blow to a Canadian squad already facing stiff competition in the tournament.

Freeman, a nine-time MLB All-Star and two-time reigning World Series champion, has been a cornerstone for Canada in the past two WBC tournaments. His absence creates a notable void in the heart of the lineup, though the team does have a capable replacement at first base in Josh Naylor, who recently signed a $92.5 million deal with the Seattle Mariners. Naylor's presence softens the blow, but it eliminates the option of deploying both sluggers simultaneously, with Freeman at first and Naylor as the designated hitter.

In further roster adjustments, Toronto Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano has also reportedly pulled out, while Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jameson Taillon has been added to the pitching staff.

Canada's projected lineup still features several MLB talents, including catcher Bo Naylor (Cleveland Guardians), outfielder Tyler O'Neill (Baltimore Orioles), outfielder Denzel Clarke (Oakland Athletics), and top prospect Owen Caissie (Miami Marlins). However, the loss of a hitter of Freeman's caliber diminishes the team's firepower against elite international competition.

The 2026 WBC is set to begin on March 5. According to BetMGM, Canada enters the tournament with the seventh-best odds to win at +4000, trailing favorites Team USA (+110) and powerhouses Japan (+350) and the Dominican Republic (+350).