WILLEMSTAD – Curaçaoan pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje, 22, who currently resides in The Hague, has been selected for the MLB All-Star Futures Game, one of the most prestigious showcases for rising baseball talent. The game will take place this Saturday in Atlanta, and Cijntje will represent the American League as one of its top prospects. 

Cijntje, who is in his first full season as a professional player with the Seattle Mariners organization, has drawn attention as a rare “switch pitcher”—able to throw with both his left and right arms at speeds exceeding 95 miles per hour (150 km/h). In Saturday’s event, he will face off against top talent from National League clubs. 

Part of a Dutch-Caribbean Legacy 

With his selection, Cijntje joins an impressive line of Dutch-Caribbean baseball stars who have previously played in the Futures Game, including Ozzie Albies (2015), Jurickson Profar, and Jonathan Schoop (both in 2011). Last year, Sem Robberse represented the Netherlands in the event. 

The All-Star Futures Game is a key scouting event that highlights the most promising players who have yet to make their Major League Baseball (MLB) debut. For Cijntje, it could be a critical step toward reaching the big leagues. 

He is also being closely watched for a possible spot on the Dutch national team for the upcoming European Baseball Championship in September. 

Cijntje’s selection not only reflects his personal talent but also continues Curaçao’s strong tradition of producing world-class baseball players.