Former Yankees Star Didi Gregorious Plays for Netherlands in WBC

The 36-year-old shortstop hasn't played in MLB since 2022 but is getting one more chance on the big stage.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Didi Gregorious, the former New York Yankees shortstop, is participating in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) for the Netherlands national team. Despite not playing in Major League Baseball since 2022, the 36-year-old Gregorious is getting another opportunity to represent his home country on the international stage before potentially retiring from professional baseball.

Why it matters

Gregorious was a fan favorite during his time with the Yankees from 2015 to 2019, known for his strong defense and clutch hitting. His appearance in the WBC gives him a chance to showcase his skills one more time on a global platform before potentially calling it a career.

The details

After leaving the Phillies in 2022, Gregorious has played in the Mexican League and Triple-A, but has not returned to the majors. He was born in the Netherlands and grew up in Curaçao, making him eligible to play for the Netherlands national team in the WBC. This will be Gregorious' third time representing the Netherlands in international competition.

  • Gregorious last played in MLB with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2022.
  • The 2026 World Baseball Classic is scheduled to take place in March 2026.

The players

Didi Gregorious

A 36-year-old shortstop who played for the New York Yankees from 2015 to 2019 and is now representing the Netherlands national team in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

New York Yankees

The MLB team that Gregorious played for from 2015 to 2019, where he was a fan favorite known for his strong defense and clutch hitting.

Philadelphia Phillies

The MLB team that Gregorious last played for in 2022 before leaving the majors.

Netherlands national team

The international baseball team that Gregorious is representing in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, as he is eligible to play for them due to his Dutch birth and Curaçaoan upbringing.

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What they’re saying

“This is a chance to represent one more time on the big stage.”

— Didi Gregorious (Sporting News)

The takeaway

Didi Gregorious' participation in the 2026 World Baseball Classic for the Netherlands national team is a testament to his enduring passion for the game and desire to compete at the highest level, even as his MLB career winds down. This opportunity allows him to showcase his skills one last time on an international stage before potentially retiring from professional baseball.