Dodgers' Freddie Freeman Dealing With Health Issue, Status For WBC In Question

"Baseball season will start a little early next year, as teams from across the globe will come together for the 2026 World Baseball Classic beginning March 5. Several Dodgers players, including Shohei Ohtani, Roki Sasaki, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Will Smith have already committed to playing for their home countries in the WBC, with others still undecided. More news: Former Dodgers Infielder Jeff Kent Voted Into Hall of Fame Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman, who holds dual U.S.-Canadian citizenship, has made it clear that he wants to represent Canada in the WBC, but might be held back by a lingering injury."

"Freddie Freeman wants to play for Canada at the WBC per Greg Hamilton & Ernie Whitt of Baseball Canada. Freeman dealing with "a little bit of a health issue" after the wear and tear of a long season per Hamilton but "he does want to do it, he really wants to play."- Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) December 9, 2025"

"The Dodgers have been supportive of their stars' desires to represent their countries in the WBC, but have expressed their concerns about potential injuries that might arise and affect the team's start to the season, which begins just nine days after the WBC's conclusion. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed his concern specifically in regards to Ohtani, Yamamoto and Sasaki, who are all in line to pitch for Team Japan."

The 2026 World Baseball Classic will begin March 5, drawing players from across the globe. Several Dodgers, including Shohei Ohtani, Roki Sasaki, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Will Smith, have committed to play for their home countries while others remain undecided. Freddie Freeman, who holds dual U.S.-Canadian citizenship, wants to represent Canada but is dealing with a lingering health issue attributed to season wear and tear. Freeman previously withdrew from the 2023 WBC after a hamstring tweak. The Dodgers support players representing their countries but have raised concerns about potential injuries affecting the regular season start nine days after the WBC ends.

Read at Dodgers Nation