From Little League champion to a record-breaking home run machine

History · Published 16 October 2026 · Updated 25 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Before he was an MLB All-Star, Jonathan Schoop was the standout star of a championship team. His journey from Curaçaoan youth baseball to breaking MLB records in Baltimore highlights a career defined by explosive power and defensive mastery, even as it faced significant off-field hurdles.

Jonathan Schoop’s trajectory began on the international stage. In 2004, he was considered the best player on the Curaçao team that won the Little League World Series, playing alongside future MLB All-Star Jurickson Profar. Joining the Baltimore Orioles as a free agent during 2008, Schoop ascended through the system to win the Brooks Robinson Minor League Player of the Year title in 2011; he then debuted in the majors on 25 September, 2013.

Schoop reached his offensive zenith with the Orioles. The club achieved a landmark feat in 2016 by becoming the initial franchise to record at least 55 home runs within one month twice. During that same period, Schoop reached an MLB milestone by launching 55 home runs throughout August alone. He also reached franchise milestones, becoming one of five Orioles to hit at least 25 homers in a season, tying a record set in 1996.

His career has been marked by extreme statistical swings and defensive distinction. Despite recording a .202 average—the lowest among all qualified American League hitters in 2022—he topped the league in outs above average at second base and received a Gold Glove nomination. Beyond his club play, Schoop represented the Netherlands in multiple international tournaments, including the World Baseball Classic and the Premier12.

However, his professional narrative took a sharp turn in 2026. Despite a successful stint in the Mexican League with the Algodoneros de Unión Laguna, Schoop was held in custody in January 2026 on suspicion of possession of prohibited weapons. This legal complication ultimately prevented him from participating in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

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