Curaçao has announced its roster for the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Curaçao will compete in Group A alongside the Dominican Republic, Cuba and Puerto Rico. It will be just the nation’s second appearance at the tournament after making its debut in 2023 in El Salvador, where it finished fifth.
Players to watch:
Christian Diaz: The veteran outfielder was Curaçao’s top hitter at Haarlem Baseball Week, posting a 1.091 OPS. Diaz has also been one of the Honkbal Hoofdklasse’s most consistent performers over the years. The 37-year-old has been the league’s top player in 2026 with Curaçao Neptunus, leading the Hoofdklasse with a 1.234 OPS and a .496 batting average. He is tied for fourth with four home runs, tied for third with 11 doubles and leads the league with 39 RBIs. Diaz is expected to start in right field and anchor Curaçao’s lineup.
Jeandro Tromp: The 25-year-old outfielder has put together another outstanding season in the Hoofdklasse. He ranks second with a 1.172 OPS, is tied for second with 20 walks and ranks fourth with a .407 batting average. Tromp is expected to serve as Curaçao’s leadoff hitter and offensive catalyst.
Nelmerson Angela:
On the mound, left-hander Nelmerson Angela is expected to lead the rotation. After emerging as one of the Hoofdklasse’s top pitchers over the past few seasons, Angela has taken a slight step back with the Oosterhout Twins in 2026, posting a 4.12 ERA over 59 innings. Despite the higher ERA, he remains the clear choice to head Curaçao’s pitching staff.
Curaçao opens the tournament against Cuba on July 31 before facing the Dominican Republic on Aug. 1 and Puerto Rico on Aug. 2. The top three teams from each group will advance to the super round, where they will be joined by the top three teams from Group B, which features Colombia, Mexico, Nicaragua and Panama, beginning Aug. 3.
The top two teams in the super round will advance to the gold medal game, while the third- and fourth-place teams will meet in the bronze medal game. Curaçao will be seeking its first medal in tournament history.
Full roster
Pitchers:
- Nelmerson Angela
- Martijn Schoonderwoerd
- Misja Harcksen
- Finn Kragt
- Pim Vijfvinkel
- Franklin van Gurp
- Arlison Rodriguez
- Sedley Karel
- Ruderly Manuel
- Cerilio Soleana
- Dennis Burgersdijk
- Jordan Lucas
Catchers:
- Phildrick Llewellyn
- Stephan Vidal
- Jahzeel Groetelaers
Infielders:
- Dudley Leonora
- Stijn van der Meer
- Sherten Apostel
- Riordan Windster
- Raywendley van Gurp
Outfielders:
- Christian Diaz
- Jeandro Tromp
- Tommy van den Sanden
Photo: After representing the Netherlands in the past, Franklin van Gurp will represent Curaçao’s national team for the first time
