Freddie Freeman Highlights 8 Dodgers Officially Playing in the WBC

Spring training will be missing some veteran presence as Dodgers stars suit up for their home countries in the World Baseball Classic

For the first time in what feels like forever, the World Baseball Classic is set to return. The last event took place back in 2017 and has been on hold while the world rebounds from the pandemic. On Thursday, rosters were officially announced and the Dodgers will be down 8 players for part of the Cactus League season.

Eight players from #Dodgers 40-man roster were named to official WBC rosters today

🇺🇸: Mookie Betts, Clayton Kershaw, Will Smith
🇲🇽: Julio Urías, Austin Barnes
🇨🇦: Freddie Freeman
🇬🇧: Trayce Thompson
🇻🇪: Miguel Rojas

— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) February 10, 2023

Being down Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, and Will Smith for part of spring training is a little tough but not catastrophic for the Dodgers. Trayce Thompson and Miguel Rojas is also less than ideal as the pair look to solidify their roles on the club.

Of course, that's all just on the major league side of things. Also participating is non-roster invitee, LHP Adam Kolarek (Israel), outfield prospect, Jose Ramos (Panama), and Dodger third base coach Dino Ebel (USA). Additionally, scouting analyst Pat O'Shea will be joining Team USA in a hybrid role.

Team USA mgr Mark DeRosa on MLB Network mentions another member of #Dodgers org on the WBC team — advance scouting analyst Pat O’Shea who is helping him with analytics and matchups.

— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) February 10, 2023

The World Baseball Classic runs from March 7 through March 21.