Blessed Trinity Senior Joseph Contreras to Represent Brazil in World Baseball Classic

Blessed Trinity Catholic High School senior and standout pitcher Joseph Contreras, son of MLB pitcher José Contreras, is taking his talents to the international stage the first week of March as he represents Brazil in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Schedule of Games. For Joseph, a chance to don his mother’s country’s jersey on baseball’s biggest stage is both a professional milestone and a deeply personal honor.

“I was very excited and ecstatic to find out that I could represent Brazil,” Joseph said of the moment he learned the news. “This is not the first time that I have represented Brazil, but I am honored to represent them on the biggest stage in the baseball world.”

Joseph’s Classic debut comes during a historic moment for Brazilian baseball. Brazil will make only its second-ever appearance in the World Baseball Classic, returning to the tournament for the first time since 2013 after winning a dramatic qualifying tournament in March 2025. During that qualifier Brazil secured its spot with a 6–4 victory over Germany, marking the nation’s first successful WBC qualification in 13 years.

Brazil enters the 2026 Classic as underdogs in Pool B, facing powerhouse teams including the United States, Mexico, Italy, and Great Britain. Though the squad doesn’t include active MLB players, it carries significant baseball lineage — featuring three players with high‑profile MLB family connections, including Dante Bichette Jr., Lucas Ramirez, and Joseph Contreras himself. 

Contreras will be the youngest player on any Classic roster at just 17 years old. Inheriting his father’s 6-foot-4 frame, Contreras is currently ranked No. 47 in the 2026 MLB Draft class after helping Blessed Trinity High School win the Georgia 4A state title in 2025. He could be selected in the top two rounds of the Draft, though teams will have to sign him away from a commitment to Vanderbilt.

Vestuto, Jen. "Can Brazil surprise in first World Baseball Classic appearance since 2013?" MLB.com, MLB Advanced Media, 7 February 2026, https://www.mlb.com/news/brazil-2026-world-baseball-classic-preview. 

The high school senior is experiencing a whirlwind of emotion. “It’s all over the place,” Joseph admitted. “I am very excited, obviously nervous, but I am also feeling confident.” He anticipates the moment that will make the experience feel truly real: running from the bullpen to the mound for the first time in front of a packed stadium.

Blessed Trinity head baseball coach Jamie Wagner praised Joseph not just for his talent, but for his character and perseverance. “Joseph’s story is special not because of what he is doing now as a senior: the 99 mph fastball, playing in the World Baseball Classic against the likes of Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper as a 17-year-old, all the accolades he’s earned, or the daily attention he’s getting from 30 MLB scouts,” Wagner said. “Joseph is special because of who he is off the field, and the hard work he has put in to become successful since his early days that started on our Junior Titan Baseball team. This kid trained daily like a Navy Seal to become the young man you see today. He is the definition of perseverance and fortitude.”

Coach Wagner also highlighted Joseph’s academics and leadership. “He’s a top-notch student, speaks three languages (working on his fourth), works on his academics during lunch, and is an ambassador for Blessed Trinity, chosen for a selective group by his teachers. He struggled early on freshman and sophomore year on the baseball diamond, but he never gave up.”

Sharing the news with family was particularly meaningful for Joseph. “I was specifically excited to tell my older brother and older sister, as they were born in Brazil,” he said. Representing something larger than himself adds both pressure and pride. “The experience is always different to play for a country. It will always mean something more, as I am playing for not only my community but a whole country,” he explained.

Joseph credits his time at Blessed Trinity with preparing him not just as an athlete but as a person. “I have grown closer to the Lord, and knowing that I have Him on my side gives me confidence,” he said. “I have also matured as a ballplayer, but more as a person, which has prepared me for this moment.” Lessons from his coaches and teammates, such as executing every pitch and playing with nothing to lose, remain at the forefront of his mind.

For younger athletes dreaming of competing at this level, Joseph offers this advice: “Everything is possible with hard work, and God always has a plan. Never be afraid to fail, as it is necessary to push forward.”

Looking ahead to the tournament, Joseph is most excited about the people he’ll meet and the opportunity to soak in the moment. He hopes fans see his competitive spirit and dedication: “They can realize that I play older than I am and I love what I do. I want them to also realize I am an ultra competitor.”

In one word, Joseph feels, “Amazing.” And in terms of personal pride, he emphasized the journey it took to reach this point: “The work I have put in to get where I am and the direction I am trending in to take the next step.”

For Joseph Contreras, representing Brazil in the World Baseball Classic is more than a career highlight, it’s a culmination of faith, hard work, family legacy and a lifelong love of the game.