CONCERN IN LA: Freddie Freeman’s Health Issues Revealed by Team Canada Amid WBC Uncertainty.vc
MOUNTING INJURIES FORCE PROCEDURES AFTER GRUELING SEASON
As the confetti settles on their second straight World Series title, the Los Angeles Dodgers suddenly find themselves balancing pride, fatigue, and uncertainty this winter. The focus has turned to the health of superstar first baseman Freddie Freeman, as questions swirl over his quietly mounting injuries from a grueling two-year championship push.
The news broke not from the Dodgers’ front office, but from Team Canada. Manager Ernie Whitt revealed that Freeman is expected to undergo “some procedures” to address lingering health issues stemming from the wear and tear of a long season, putting his participation in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) in doubt.
“Whitt said Freeman is having ‘some procedures done’ and they will know more later with how he’s feeling,” reported The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya.
THE DODGERS’ DILEMMA: CONTRADICTORY STATEMENTS
The announcement has created a confusing narrative:
- The Player’s Wish: Freeman, a proud Canadian, has expressed a strong desire to play for Team Canada, which faces a challenging pool that includes Puerto Rico and Cuba.
- The Team’s View: Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman recently stated that he did not believe Freeman would require any sort of procedure, striking a more optimistic tone than the national team manager.
- The Reality: Despite Friedman’s view, Freeman’s injury history is well-documented. He played through a severe right ankle sprain and broken rib cartilage during the 2024 postseason (which required an initial ankle surgery that offseason), and he dealt with lingering ankle and rib issues throughout the 2025 season.
The vague nature of the “procedures” suggests that the wear and tear has finally caught up to the perennial All-Star, whose work ethic often sees him play through pain.
WBC OBLIGATIONS STRETCH STARS THINNER
The potential loss of Freeman for the WBC, while personally disappointing, might be a quiet blessing for the Dodgers. The organization is facing a winter where other key stars’ WBC obligations threaten to stretch their talent even thinner than the grueling October run already has:
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto: The team’s ace is reportedly headed to the WBC for Team Japan, adding significant competitive innings to a workload that was already the heaviest of his professional career in 2025.
- Mookie Betts and Will Smith: Both are expected to play major roles for Team USA, accelerating their throwing and hitting programs far earlier than the team would prefer.
For the Dodgers, the immediate priority must be ensuring their core stars—especially a player like Freeman who has continually fought through injury—are rested and healthy for the 2026 title defense, even if it means sacrificing pride on the international stage.
