The transition of Andruw Jones from a legendary center fielder to the manager of the Netherlands for the 2026 World Baseball Classic is a story of national loyalty and a unique family milestone. For a kingdom that has consistently punched above its weight on the global stage, placing “The Curacao Kid” at the helm represents a passing of the torch from the era he helped build as a player to the new generation of talent he is now tasked with leading.
While his resume as a 10-time Gold Glover and newly minted Hall of Famer makes him an obvious choice for leadership, his motivations for taking the job go deeper than just adding to his legacy.
Here is why the Braves icon is leading the Dutch squad into battle.
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Why is Andruw Jones coaching the Netherlands?
After representing the Netherlands as a player in the 2006 and 2013 Classics — helping lead them to the semifinals in the latter — Jones transitioned seamlessly into the coaching ranks. Serving as the team’s bench coach during the 2017 and 2023 tournaments, Jones became the primary understudy to longtime manager Hensley “Bam Bam” Meulens. When Meulens stepped down in late 2023, the Royal Netherlands Baseball and Softball Federation viewed Jones as the only logical successor to maintain the team’s culture and tactical identity.
One of the most compelling reasons for Jones’ tenure in 2026 is the presence of his son, Druw Jones. The younger Jones, a top prospect for the Arizona Diamondbacks and the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, officially committed to representing the Netherlands to honor his father’s heritage. Their partnership marks the first time in World Baseball Classic history that a father-son duo will share a dugout as manager and player.
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Netherlands World Baseball Classic roster notable names
The Netherlands’ roster includes a number of players with significant MLB experience, as well as young talent still on its way to the majors. Here is a list of notable names who will be playing for Jones in the World Baseball Classic.
- Kenley Jansen
- Xander Bogaerts
- Ozzie Albies
- Jurickson Profar
- Ceddanne Rafaela
- Druw Jones
- Didi Gregorius
- Shairon Martis
Former MLB All-Star starting pitcher Jair Jurrjens is also on the Netherlands’ coaching staff as the team’s pitching coach.
