Miami.- Baseball legend Andruw Jones has been appointed as the new manager of the Netherlands national team for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The Royal Netherlands Baseball and Softball Federation made the official announcement this Tuesday.
Jones, originally from Willemstad, Curaçao, has a long history with the Dutch team. He has participated in all editions of the tournament, both as a player and as a coach.
- 2006 World Baseball Classic: Player
- 2013 World Baseball Classic: Player, batting .333/.441/.370 and leading the Netherlands to fourth place
- 2017 and 2023 World Baseball Classics: Bench coach
It is a tremendous honor to manage the Kingdom of the Netherlands team in the World Baseball Classic. I have worn the uniform as a player and coach, and now that I am entrusted with managing the team, it is a great honor. I look forward to putting together a great team with my coaching staff.
Andruw Jones
Netherlands will compete in Group D of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, along with Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Israel, and Nicaragua. The games will be played at loanDepot park in Miami, home of the Marlins, between March 6 and 11.
After finishing in 13th place in the 2023 edition, the Netherlands will seek a new impetus under the direction of Jones, who has five All-Star selections and 10 Gold Gloves in his MLB career.
