Toronto Blue Jays officially sign free agent pitcher from Netherlands
Photo credit: Francis Romero - x.com
The Toronto Blue Jays have officially added left-handed pitcher Celwin Hurkmans to their organization, signing the Dutch native as an international free agent.
Hurkmans, a 17-year-old southpaw from the Netherlands, stands an imposing 6-foot-6 and agreed to a minor-league contract with Toronto on December 10.
According to MLB insider Francys Romero, the deal was finalized with a reported signing bonus of $150,000.
Left-hander Celwin Hurkmans from the Netherlands officially signed with the Blue Jays for a $150,000 bonus. Hurkmans throws 88–90 mph and has competed in international tournaments with the Netherlands. This is a 2024–25 signing, not 2026 as announced by the Blue Jays.
Because Hurkmans has yet to pitch in either Major League Baseball or the minor leagues, there are no professional statistics available for him at this time.
He represents the final addition to the Toronto Blue Jays’ 2025 international signing class.
While Toronto allocated most of its international bonus pool earlier in the signing period, any unused funds had to be spent by December 15, as the money does not carry over.
As with most international prospects, Hurkmans is considered a long-term development project and is expected to spend several years refining his game before becoming Major League ready.
Honkbal Softbal reporter Seb Visser noted that Hurkmans previously pitched for DSS Haarlem in the Netherlands’ Eerste Klasse League, the country’s second-highest level of professional baseball.
He played a key role in helping Haarlem capture the first division championship and later represented Talent TeamNL during Toulouse Baseball Week in France.
The Netherlands has produced several notable MLB players, most famously Hall of Fame pitcher Burt Blyleven, who recorded 287 career wins.
The Blue Jays organization has also featured Dutch talent in recent years, including current minor-league catcher Keegan Pieternella and former prospect Sem Robberse.
Robberse, a rising arm in Toronto’s system, was selected to the 2023 MLB Futures Game before being traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in the deal that brought Jordan Hicks to Toronto.
Where Hurkmans begins his professional career remains to be seen.
Most international signees his age typically start in the Dominican Summer League, but the Blue Jays could choose to keep him states side by assigning him to their complex in Dunedin and placing him on the Florida Complex League roster.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 30|45 ANSWERS Toronto Blue Jays officially sign free agent pitcher from Netherlands Was signing 17-year old Celwin Hurkmans for $150,000 a good investment for the Toronto Blue Jays? | ||
| Yes | 34 | 75.6 % |
| No | 4 | 8.9 % |
| Too early to tell | 7 | 15.6 % |
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