Looking at Team Netherlands for the 2026 World Baseball Classic

Dating back to 2009, the Netherlands have traditionally been a tough out in the World Baseball Classic. The Kingdom of the Netherlands have been highly competive, thanks in large part to the high-end talent that’s come out of Curacao and Aruba. And, many familiar names will headline the Netherlands’ team for 2026.

Pitchers

• LHP Jamdrick Cornelia
• RHP Jaydenn Estanista (Phillies)
• RHP Wendell Floranus
• RHP Arij Fransen
• RHP Lars Huijer
• RHP Kenley Jansen (Tigers)
• RHP Antwone Kelly (Pirates)
• RHP Jaitoine Kelly
• RHP Kevin Kelly
• RHP Shairon Martis
• RHP Eric Mendez
• LHP Ryjeteri Merite (Reds)
• RHP Justin Morales
• RHP Shawndrick Oduber (Dodgers)
• RHP Juan Carlos Sulbaran
• RHP Derek West
• RHP Dylan Wilson

Yet again, the headliner is Kenley Jansen. Once a catcher for the Netherlands, Jansen is back as the team’s probable closer for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Jansen leads a team that doesn’t have much in the way of current or former MLB pitchers. Shairon Martis, formerly of the Washington Nationals many years ago, is one of the few who also checks that box.

For the prospect watchers, Pirates right-hander Antwone Kelly is a name to watch. Kelly, who was added to the 40-man roster this past November, had a big year in High-A Greensboro and posted a swing-and-miss rate above 30% in the South Atlantic League.

Additionally, there are plenty of former Minor Leaguers. Wendell Floranus Eric Mendez, Derek West, Lars Huijer, Arij Fransen, and 2009 Futures Games participant J.C. Sulbaran are among the other notables on Team Netherlands.

Catchers

• C Hendrik Clementina
• C Chadwick Tromp (Braves)

Both catchers for Team Netherlands have ties to the Braves.

Hendrik Clementina spent three years in the Minors for the Braves, capping out at Triple-A. Chadwick Tromp, meanwhile, has previously played for Atlanta on the MLB roster.

Tromp is a non-roster invite for Atlanta in 2026 Spring Training.

Infielders

• MI Ozzie Albies (Braves)
• MI Xander Bogaerts (Padres)
• MI Didi Gregorius
• INF Juremi Profar
• INF Sharlon Schoop

For the first time in a long time, Team Netherlands will be without many familiar names. Wladimir Balentien, who had a great in Japan after flaming out with the Mariners, won’t suit up for the Kingdom. Nor will ex-Oriole Jonathan Schoop or former National Roger Bernadina.

However, familiar names in the infield remain.

Xander Bogaerts had four hits, including a home run, in four games for the Netherlands in the last World Baseball Classic. He’ll be joined by Didi Gregorius, who played first for the Netherlands in 2023.

Ozzie Albies will look for a big rebound year. Albies posted a .671 OPS for the Braves in 2025.

Outfielders

• INF/OF Dayson Croes (Giants)
• INF/OF Ray-Patrick Didder
• CF Druw Jones (Diamondbacks)
• 1B/LF Jurickson Profar (Braves)
• MI/OF Ceddanne Rafaela (Red Sox)
• OF Delano Selsassa

Druw Jones will get the chance to play for his father, Andruw Jones, in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Jones was a first-round pick for the Diamondbacks in 2022, coming with all the expectations in the world after dominating the high school scene in Georgia. However, Jones, despite great defense, has not developed well offensively. He gets on top of the baseball often and hasn’t produced offensive numbers close to expectations.

He’s one of several notables among the outfield core for the Netherlands.

Jurickson Profar was among baseball’s hottest hitters over the final two months last season. He’ll be joined by speedster Ceddanne Rafaela, who hit 16 home runs and won an AL Gold Glove last season.