If you’ve been keeping an eye on Yankees spring training, you might’ve done a double take. That familiar figure fielding grounders and going through drills with the infielders?
Yeah, that’s Didi Gregorius. And no, he hasn’t quietly re-signed with the Bronx Bombers.
Gregorius is back on the field, but this time he’s getting ready to represent the Netherlands in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. While it might look like a Yankees reunion, this is all about national pride - and one more shot at meaningful baseball for the 36-year-old shortstop.
Born in the Netherlands and raised in Curacao, Gregorius has long been a staple of Dutch international baseball. His last MLB appearance came in 2022 with the Phillies, and since then, he’s taken a winding road through the baseball world - from the Mexican League to Triple-A, and even a stint as a draft pick of Baseball United’s Arabia Wolves.
At this stage in his career, no one’s expecting Gregorius to return to his prime form - the one that made him a fan favorite in New York with clutch hits and smooth defense. But what he brings now is something just as valuable to a tournament setting: experience, leadership, and a deep understanding of how to win in high-pressure games.
The Dutch roster is no joke this year. Alongside Gregorius are big-league names like Kenley Jansen, Ozzie Albies, Xander Bogaerts, Jurickson Profar, and rising talents like Ceddanne Rafaela and Druw Jones - yes, that’s Andruw’s kid, and yes, the bloodline is strong. If the pitching holds up, this is a team that could make some serious noise.
Gregorius won’t be expected to carry the offense, but he doesn’t need to. His presence alone - in the clubhouse and on the field - gives the Netherlands a steady hand.
And who knows? Maybe he’s got a few more big swings left in him.
So no, he’s not back in pinstripes. But Didi Gregorius is back where he’s always belonged - on the diamond, representing something bigger than himself, chasing one last run with his country.