Freddie Freeman has been a modern day iron man for the Los Angeles Dodgers since first joining the ballclub back in 2022.
He’s played in at least 147 regular season games in each of the last four years. In 2024, Freeman ended up being the World Series MVP despite essentially playing on one leg with a badly injured ankle.
The same ankle visibly bothered him throughout the 2025 season. With a combination of around-the-clock treatment and rest, Freeman managed to play the entire playoffs and still contribute in a major way.
As the 2026 season approaches, the 36-year-old first baseman could end up yet again representing his parents’ home country of Canada in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
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At the Winter Meetings in Orlando, Canada’s manager Ernie Whitt told reporter Fabian Ardaya that despite Freeman wanting to play for Canada, it’s not yet known as if he’ll be available. Whitt revealed that Freeman is having “some procedures done” and that his status is to be determined.
Without any specifics on the nature of the injury, one would guess it could have to do with the ankle that’s slowed Freeman for years. Though he was truly courageous in making himself available, it was very noticeable that Freeman’s short-area quickness and base running ability was hampered from its usual form.
Interestingly enough, the information coming from Canada’a manager somewhat conflicts with Andrew Friedman. Friedman told Ardaya that he didn’t think Freeman would need any sort of medical procedure to fix any medical issue.
With some high-level athletes, it’s somewhat routine to have things ‘cleaned up’ in the offseason. It wouldn’t be all that surprising for Freeman to undergo something to this degree given his age and recent issues with his ankle.
As the Winter Meetings continue, more news may eventually shine some light into this curious situation.
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Photo Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
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