WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC: POOL D

March 5, 2026

Antwone Kelly

LoanDepot Park

Team Netherlands

Workout Day Press Conference

Q. Andruw just said that you are going to pitch against Nicaragua --

ANTWONE KELLY: No, no, I'm going to pitch against Venezuela.

Q. You are a very experienced pitcher; what can you say about the game against Venezuela?

ANTWONE KELLY: It is not going to be an easy game. They have a great team. But I'm ready to do our best on the field.

Q. Sometimes playing teams such as Venezuela is inspirational, taking into account the lineup they have. Have you studied the players? Do you know how to pitch against each player or hitter?

ANTWONE KELLY: Of course. This is a huge opportunity. I have played in the minors and some players on that team have been playing in the majors for a long time. I talked to my catcher. He is a catcher in the majors. I have talked a lot with him, and we have studied all the players, and we are ready.

Q. You're one of the pitching prospects of the organization of the Pittsburgh Pirates. How did you prepare for the World Baseball Classic and also for the offseason?

ANTWONE KELLY: I think my offseason is the most important stuff in the whole year. I think I get prepared really good. I'm ready to go. I'm ramped up right now. I'm up to three, four innings already, so I'm ready to go.

Q. I want you to say something in your native language.

ANTWONE KELLY: (Speaking non-English.)

Q. I was asking Didi, as well, do you have a favorite Dutch dish by chance?

ANTWONE KELLY: Kroket.

Q. A lot of people talk about WBC and what it means to play for your country. What was the main decision, and what does it mean for you to suit up for the Netherlands?

ANTWONE KELLY: I think from my perspective, coming from a small island, I think just playing for the kingdom of the Netherlands is a big thing. It's a big accomplishment for every kid that comes from the islands. That's how I feel.

Q. The Netherlands is comprised of small islands such as Aruba, Curaçao and others. How would you define that diversity that you have to deal with, and professionally are you thinking about the Hall of Fame?

ANTWONE KELLY: We get along a lot with the Netherlands people. We get along with them. We have no issues, no problem. It seems to me that we have known each other for many, many years.

I was talking to the guys, and I said, many people dream about playing with a manager or a coach that is a Hall of Famer. It's a great opportunity to learn from him.