The Netherlands has a new manager for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Andruw Jones, a five-time MLB All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove Award winner, will manage the Netherlands at the 2026 WBC, the Royal Netherlands Baseball and Softball Federation announced on Tuesday.
A native of Willemstad, Curaçao, Jones has represented the Netherlands at all four iterations of the WBC, either as a player or a coach. He served as the team’s bench coach in 2017 and '23, with Hensley "Bam Bam" Meulens acting as manager. Meulens parted ways with the national team in December 2023.
“It’s a tremendous honor to manage the team kingdom of the Netherlands in the WBC," Jones wrote in a social media post announcing the hire. "I’ve worn the uniform as a player and coach, and now being trusted to manage the team is a great honor. Can’t wait to put a great team together with my coaching staff.”
Jones played for the Netherlands in the inaugural WBC in 2006. He again anchored the lineup in 2013, slashing .333/.441/.370 while leading the way to an inspiring fourth-place finish.
Under Jones’ guidance, the Netherlands will look for a bounce-back result next year after finishing in 13th place at the 2023 WBC.
The Netherlands will compete in Pool D at the 2026 World Baseball Classic, joining Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Israel and Nicaragua. Pool D is scheduled to play from March 6-11 at loanDepot park in Miami, home of the Marlins. The top two teams will advance to the quarterfinals to compete against the top two finishers from Pool C.