WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC: POOL D - NETHERLANDS VS VENEZUELA

March 6, 2026

Jaitoine Kelly

LoanDepot Park

Team Netherlands

Pregame Press Conference

Q. What is the vibe on the field today?

JAITOINE KELLY: The vibe, we're going to win. We're ready. We trained for it. We've got good chemistry. Our team is ready, so we're going off.

Q. Obviously you're about to take the mound representing your country. Do you go up to the mound with the exact same approach, or do you allow yourself this certain pride when you approach the mound?

JAITOINE KELLY: Yeah, for sure, more pride. I'm going to represent my country, my island, and it's going to be a great experience for my first time, so it's going to be a great time.

Q. How are you preparing for your start tomorrow?

JAITOINE KELLY: My start, just like normal, in my season. Just get it ready, get my body right, my mindset set to go all in.

Q. 10 years ago Netherlands beat DR twice. Do you have any memory from any of that or any stories you have heard?

JAITOINE KELLY: I think we're going to beat them again because I know we can. The mindset, we're ready.

Q. What does it mean to you to be playing for Andruw Jones?

JAITOINE KELLY: A lot, since he just got in the Hall of Fame. Pretty cool. I played with him as a little kid, Druw, and it's pretty cool having him as a manager. Pretty nice.

Q. What does it mean to play in this tournament with your brother -- not only play with your brother but follow him? He's starting today and you get to make the start tomorrow. What does that mean for you?

JAITOINE KELLY: It's really beautiful. Since we were kids, always our dream to play here. I saw him play in 2023 and '21. It was really a great experience. I want to follow his steps. It's pretty beautiful to see my brother play in WBC.