Joseph Contreras makes history
“I know I wasn’t doing that at 17 years old, that’s for sure,” remarked Aaron Judge, reflecting on the remarkable performance of 17-year-old Joseph Contreras during the World Baseball Classic.
Contreras, the youngest player to appear in a WBC game since 2013, pitched for Team Brazil against Team USA in Houston, Texas. The young talent, son of former MLB pitcher Jose Contreras, demonstrated his potential by striking out Judge, who grounded into a double play with the bases loaded.
“He just told me, ‘The game does not change. Your job is still to execute the pitches. Take deep breaths. Don’t let the game speed up,’” Contreras shared, highlighting the advice from his father that he took to heart during the high-pressure game.
In his debut, Contreras threw fastballs that reached an impressive 97.8 mph, showcasing his skill and composure on the mound. Despite walking three batters and allowing two hits in 1 1/3 innings pitched, his performance caught the attention of scouts and fans alike.
Contreras is committed to play college baseball at Vanderbilt and is currently ranked as MLB Pipeline’s No. 47 prospect in the 2026 MLB Draft. His impressive showing at such a young age has certainly raised his profile in the baseball community.
Team USA ultimately triumphed over Team Brazil, scoring 15 runs to Brazil’s 5. However, Contreras’ performance stood out as a bright spot for his team.
“I think it just shows scouts that my stuff plays,” Contreras stated, emphasizing his belief in his abilities despite the outcome of the game.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Contreras, who has already made a significant impact in his first major international competition. His journey is just beginning, and fans are eager to see how he develops in the coming years.
Contreras’ mother is Brazilian, adding to the significance of his participation in the WBC, representing both his heritage and his father’s legacy. The young pitcher learned his father’s signature forkball at age 10, a skill that may serve him well as he continues to hone his craft.
With a bright future ahead, Joseph Contreras is a name to watch in the world of baseball.
