With postseasons running deep, there are only a few more weeks until the WBSC Premier12 Tournament. The Kingdom of Netherlands becomes the tenth team to announce their roster. The team will be led by Evert-Jan’t Hoen, who replaces Hensley Meulens as manager. Here is who will join the roster for the Kingdom of Netherlands this November:
PITCHERS:
- – Tom de Blok
- – Jaydenn Estanista
- – Dylan Farley
- – Franklin Van Gurp
- – Lars Huijer
- – Ryan Huntington
- – Kevin Kelly
- – Shairon Martis*
- – Eric Mendez
- – Scott Prins
- – Juancarlos Sulburban
- – Kaj Timmermans
- – Pim Vijfvinkel
CATCHERS:
- – Jair Van Borkulo
- – Hendrik Clementina
- – Donovan Antonia
INFIELDERS:
- – Dayson Croes
- – Didi Gregorius*
- – Eugene Helder
- – Stijn Van Der Meer
- – Juremi Profar
- – Jonathan Schoop*
- – Sharlon Schoop
OUTFIELDERS:
- – Ray-Patrick Didder
- – Dwayne Kemp
- – Denzel Richardson
- – Delano Salassa
- – Rushenten Tomjansen
*— denotes MLB experience
The Kingdom of Netherlands roster features three players who will provide veteran leadership with extensive international and MLB experience. Shairon Martis will look to anchor the rotation, with Didi Gregorius and Jonathan Schoop providing plus skills on both offense and defense.
Martis, 37, was born in Willemstad, Curaçao. He made his MLB debut with the Washington Nationals in 2008, where he would pitch for two seasons. He also made a brief appearance in 2013 with the Minnesota Twins. Martis last pitched in 2023 with the Curaçao Neptunus in the Dutch Major League, where he went 8-3, posting a 2.12 ERA in 17 starts, striking out 88 batters in 101.2 innings.
Didi Gregorius will look to hold it down as the team’s shortstop. The 34-year-old veteran has played in 11 seasons in Major League Baseball with the Reds, Diamondbacks, Yankees, and Phillies organizations from 2012-22. He spent his 2024 season playing in Liga Mexicana de Béisbol (LMB) with the Algodoneros de Union Laguna. In 75 games, Gregorius hit .262, with seven home runs and 43 RBIs.
Another MLB veteran who will bring more power into the Netherlands lineup is second-baseman Jonathan Schoop. Schoop, 33, is a one-time MLB All-Star who played in seasons with the Orioles, Brewers, Twins, and Tigers from 2013-23. Schoop also played in LMB alongside Gregorius with Union Laguna. Schoop crushed 15 home runs, 60 RBIs, and hit for a .253 average in 81 games.
Their quest for the Premier12 title will begin on Opening Night, where they will be hosts to Panama on November 9. The event will be played at Estadio Panamericano in Guadalajara, Mexico. The first pitch is set for 2 PM EST.
