Overview
- Baseball Canada’s Greg Hamilton said Freeman is dealing with “a little bit of a health issue” and emphasized the first baseman’s desire to play for Team Canada.
- Manager Ernie Whitt indicated Freeman is having “some procedure done,” a characterization The Athletic reported Dodgers executive Andrew Friedman does not expect will be necessary.
- No specific diagnosis or team medical details have been disclosed, leaving Freeman’s March availability unresolved.
- Freeman’s recent health history includes playing through a broken ankle in the 2024 postseason, offseason right-ankle surgery, a 2025 ankle reaggravation after a shower slip, rib issues, and a late-season wrist hit-by-pitch.
- The World Baseball Classic concludes just over a week before MLB Opening Day in 2026, adding weight to Freeman’s decision as other Dodgers stars like Shohei Ohtani and Will Smith plan to participate.