Former Atlanta Braves superstar Andruw Jones is stepping into a new leadership role at the 2026 World Baseball Classic, taking charge as manager of the Netherlands national team.
For a country that has repeatedly surprised the baseball world with deep tournament runs, Jones’ appointment represents both continuity and evolution. The Curacao-born icon helped establish the Netherlands as a competitive force during his playing days, and now he’s guiding the next generation from the dugout.
Jones succeeds longtime Netherlands manager Hensley Meulens
Jones’ promotion to manager comes after years of involvement with the Dutch national program.
The former All-Star represented the Netherlands as a player in both the 2006 and 2013 World Baseball Classics, playing a key role in the team’s historic semifinal run in 2013. After his playing career ended, Jones remained closely connected to the program.
He served as bench coach during the 2017 and 2023 tournaments, working alongside longtime manager Hensley Meulens, often nicknamed “Bam Bam.” When Meulens stepped down in late 2023, the Royal Netherlands Baseball and Softball Federation turned to Jones as the natural successor.
His familiarity with the team’s structure and playing style made him the logical choice to preserve the identity that has helped the Netherlands compete with global baseball powerhouses.
Father-son milestone makes 2026 tournament historic
One of the most unique storylines surrounding the Netherlands team in 2026 involves Jones and his son, Druw Jones.
The younger Jones, a highly regarded prospect in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization and the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, committed to representing the Netherlands in the tournament to honor his father’s heritage.
Their partnership will mark the first time in World Baseball Classic history that a father and son will share a dugout as manager and player.
For Andruw Jones, the opportunity adds a deeply personal layer to the tournament, blending national pride with a rare family milestone on baseball’s international stage.
Netherlands roster features several MLB stars
The Dutch roster entering the 2026 World Baseball Classic includes a blend of established MLB veterans and emerging talent.
Among the most notable names are Kenley Jansen, Xander Bogaerts, Ozzie Albies, Jurickson Profar, Ceddanne Rafaela and veteran infielder Didi Gregorius.
Pitcher Shairon Martis is also part of the roster, while former MLB All-Star pitcher Jair Jurrjens will serve as the team’s pitching coach.
With Jones now leading the program and a roster filled with both experience and youth, the Netherlands hopes to once again challenge baseball’s traditional powers when the 2026 World Baseball Classic begins.