Baseball players with MLS stars Xander Bogaerts and Kenley Jansen at the Unofficial World Cup | other sports

Among others, Xander Bogaerts and Kenley Jansen, who changed clubs in MLB this winter, have received permission from their new employer to participate in the World Baseball Classic. This is the unofficial Baseball World Cup and also the only tournament in which star players from the American competitors can participate.

Meulens announced a provisional selection of fifty players at the beginning of this month. He must submit a final list of thirty players to the organization by February 7 at the latest. Major league baseball players who make their money in the major league need permission from their clubs to participate. “And that’s not an axiom,” says Mullins. Fortunately, Xander and Kenley are allowed to participate in any situation.”

The 30-year-old Bogarts left the Boston Red Sox at the end of last year, with whom he won two World Series titles. Aruban signed an eleven-year, $280 million contract extension with the San Diego Padres. The 35-year-old pitcher Jansen has transferred from the Atlanta Braves to the Red Sox. The pitcher from Curaçao signed a two-year, $32 million contract with Boston.

Meulens assumes Marrison ‘Diddy’ Gregorius, Andrelton Simmons and Jorickson Brovar could also be involved. As a “free agent” they do not currently have an employer. “I hope they find a club,” said the national coach, who will be in Amsterdam for a few days this week in preparation for the tournament. “They’re all good players, they just haven’t finished MLB yet.”

Twenty countries participate in the World Baseball Classic, divided into four groups. The Kingdom of the Netherlands national team – made up of Dutch, Antilles and Americans with roots in the Netherlands Antilles – will start the tournament in the Taiwanese city of Taichung. There, Orange will compete in Group A against Cuba, Panama, Taiwan and Italy from March 8-12. Numbers 1 and 2 from the group go to the quarterfinals in Tokyo. The winners will travel to Miami for the final round.

The Netherlands have reached the semi-finals of the World Baseball Classic in 2013 and 2017, led by Meulens. The former professional baseball player, who is a major league hitting coach for the Colorado Rockies, is aiming to go higher in the upcoming edition. Do we secretly think about ultimate victory? It’s no secret. We go to this tournament to win.”