The 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) is set to showcase not only veterans but also emerging talents in Major League Baseball. Among these new prospects, Joseph Contreras stands out as a player to watch. Ranked 35th in the upcoming MLB draft, this right-handed pitcher hails from Georgia. He is the son of former MLB player Jose Contreras, who had notable tenures with the New York Yankees and the Chicago White Sox. Unlike his father, Joseph is representing Brazil in the WBC, thanks to his mother’s Brazilian heritage.
Contreras has a unique opportunity on March 6, when Brazil competes against the United States during pool play. This matchup provides him with a chance to face elite hitters, offering invaluable exposure for scouts. Additionally, the WBC will utilize Statcast technology, allowing evaluators to capture detailed data on Contreras’s pitching performance in a major league stadium, just months ahead of the draft.
Joseph Contreras: Prospect Profile
Contreras’s meteoric rise has stirred conversations in scouting circles. He has primarily thrown a mid-80s slider, recently improving to an 88-91 mph cutter. His prior summer performances have established late-first-round buzz. In preseason outings, he consistently reached 94-98 mph, even hitting 99 mph while showcasing his changeup and splitter—his splitter receiving a 65-grade rating.
Standing 6 feet 5 inches tall, Contreras possesses an ideal build for a pitcher, along with a clean arm stroke and athleticism. However, skeptics point to challenges in his fastball shape and command, largely due to his short stride to the plate. A stellar performance in the WBC may help clarify his standing among evaluators.
Additional Prospects to Monitor
- Nolan McLean, RHP, USA (New York Mets) – Rank: No. 13. McLean displayed impressive skills in a big league audition last season.
- Travis Bazzana, 2B, Australia (Cleveland Guardians) – Rank: No. 23. Bazzana combines in-game power with patience, pushing closer to the major leagues.
- Michael Arroyo, 2B, Colombia (Seattle Mariners) – Rank: No. 62. Arroyo has performed well, although questions about his upside remain.
- Owen Caissie, OF, Canada (Miami Marlins) – Rank: No. 77. Known for his raw power and speed, Caissie’s bat-to-ball skills will be scrutinized.
- Harry Ford, C, Great Britain (Washington Nationals) – Rank: No. 82. Ford brings power and on-base skills, but defensive questions linger.
Other Notable Player Prospects
Several additional players are worth watching during the WBC, helping to fill rosters for countries not favored to advance far in the tournament. These include:
- Canada: Tyler Black (Brewers)
- Colombia: Dayan Frias (Guardians)
- Great Britain: B.J. Murray (Cubs), Kristian Robinson (Diamondbacks)
- Israel: Cole Carrigg (Rockies), Zach Levenson (Cardinals)
- Italy: Nick Morabito (Mets)
Pitching Prospects
- Canada: Adam Macko (Blue Jays)
- Israel: Harrison Cohen (Yankees)
- Italy: Sam Aldegheri (Angels)
- Mexico: Luis Gastelum (Cardinals)
The 2026 WBC is an exciting platform for these young prospects to demonstrate their talents on a global stage. With players like Contreras and others showing potential, the tournament could significantly impact future MLB drafts and team rosters.
