By Matthew Tallarini
World Baseball Network
Jan. 11, 2023
Team Kingdom of Netherlands announced their portion of their 50-Man Preliminary roster for the World Baseball Classic with 14 players, according to 297sports in Aruba.
The Dutch roster mainly consists of Major Leaguers and certain key players playing overseas on various international circuits.
Hensley Meulens will manager the Kingdom during the World Baseball Classic, after taking the hitting coach position for the Colorado Rockies this offseason.
The Netherlands will start the World Baseball Classic in Taichung City, Taiwan, in Pool A at Taichung Intercontinental Baseball Stadium on March 8 against Cuba. Pool A will play will run from March 8-13, with Panama, Italy, and host nation Chinese Taipei also in the pool.
Hall of Famer Bert Blyleven will serve as pitching coach and former MLB star Andruw Jones will be the bench coach on Meulens’ coaching staff.
The Netherlands have appeared in the semifinals of the 2013 and 2017 editions of the World Baseball Classic and is looking to pursue going deep into the tournament once again.
Player Team (League) – CFA denotes Current Free Agent
Kenley Jansen Boston Red Sox (MLB)
Xander Bogaerts San Diego Padres (MLB)
Jonathan Schoop Detroit Tigers (MLB)
Chadwick Tromp Atlanta Braves (MLB)
Lars Huijer HCAW (Honkbal Hoofdklasse)
Shairon Martis Curacao Neptunus (Honkbal Hoofdklasse)
Joshua Palacios Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB)
Richie Palacios Cleveland Guardians (MLB)
Jurickson Profar CFA (MLB)
Didi Gregorius CFA (MLB)
Wladimr “Coco“ Balentien CFA (International LMB-NPB)
Pedro Strop CFA (MLB)
Andrelton Simmons CFA (MLB)
Ceddanne Rafaela Boston Red Sox(MLB)
Coaching Staff:
Hensley Meulens – Manager
Andruw Jones – Bench Coach
Bert Blyleven – Pitching Coach
Tjerk Smeets – Hitting Coach
Sharnol Adriana – Assistant Hitting Coach
Mike Harkey – Bullpen Coach
Eugene Kingsale – First Base Coach
Ben Thijssen – Third Base Coach