Overview
- Sportsnet's Shi Davidi reported Freeman's withdrawal, with reliever Jordan Romano also reportedly pulling out and starter Jameson Taillon joining the roster.
- Naylor is expected to take over at first base after plans that could have used both him and Freeman by slotting one at designated hitter.
- Canada opens Pool A on March 7 against Colombia following the World Baseball Classic’s March 5 start.
- Freeman previously played for Canada in the 2017 and 2023 tournaments and holds dual U.S.-Canadian citizenship.
- Canada is shaping its final lineup as it pursues a first-ever berth in the WBC knockout round after falling short in 2023.