Team insider reveals why Sal Frelick elected not to participate in 2026 WBC

Of the Milwaukee Brewers' current 40-man roster, nine players are slated to participate in this year's World Baseball Classic (WBC). There are over 50 other connections to the organization in the event (the full list can be found here). But surprisingly, not among those participating is outfielder Sal Frelick.

Just three years ago, when Frelick was still a prospect on the cusp of making his Major League debut, he played in the 2023 WBC as a member of Team Italy. Frelick performed quite well, going 7-for-23 over five games that included three doubles and four runs batted in; later that summer, he debuted in the big leagues for the Brewers.

For as much of a competitor as Frelick is, his absence from this year’s event certainly raises some eyebrows. Recently, Frelick opened up to team insider Todd Rosiak, of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, about what factored into that decision.

Sal Frelick is prioritizing his health by electing not to participate in the 2026 World Baseball Classic

After intermittently missing time in the second half last season due to a knee issue, Frelick told Rosiak that he devoted much of his offseason to rehabbing and getting himself back to full strength. Although surgery wasn’t necessary and scans came back clean, he met with team doctors during his end-of-year physical and ultimately personally decided the best course of action was to prioritize his body and long-term health, which includes not participating in the WBC, despite initially desiring to play.

Frelick also reflected on how special his experience in the 2023 World Baseball Classic was, noting the electric atmosphere in Taiwan. This year, Team Italy is set to play in Houston. While that doesn’t mean the experience won’t be enjoyable, it’s simply different from competing in a truly unique international setting like he did before.

In the end, Frelick’s decision came down to perspective and priorities. While representing Team Italy again would have been an honor, ensuring he’s fully healthy for the grind of a full MLB season takes precedence.