Report: Freeman ‘increasingly likely’ to play for Canada at WBC

Max Scherzer pulls out of the World Baseball Classic due to injury, the Tampa Bay Rays reportedly sign outfielder Colby Rasmus, and Manny Ramirez resumes his playing career in Japan.

Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman is increasingly likely to play for Canada at the upcoming World Baseball Classic, according to a report from Jon Morosi.

Canada will be without Joey Votto, who recently chose to sit out this WBC after playing in 2009 and 2013. That opens the door for Freeman to start at first as one of the team’s primary sources of power.

The 27-year-old is coming off a career year in Atlanta where he hit 34 home runs with 91 RBI and an OPS of .968. Beyond Freeman, veteran Justin Morneau is also expected to figure in to the first base and designated hitter conversation during the WBC.

Although Freeman was born in California, his late mother was Canadian and he has said in the past that he would like to honour her by playing for Canada.

The Canadians open play on March 9 against the Dominican Republic before facing Colombia and the United States in Pool C play.

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