Joseph Contreras’ Miami WBC outing — likely to include high-90s velocity and a plus splitter — could push his draft stock and create betting value: expect live-prop opportunities on strikeouts and over/under pitch-count lines when Brazil faces the U.S.; bettors should be cautious on Brazil moneyline but consider player props for Contreras and power-hitting U.S. linemates. Overall, WBC performances can shift early-season futures and draft-related markets.
WBC Prospect Watch: Why Joseph Contreras Is the Headline
Joseph Contreras, a 6-foot-5 prep right-hander from Georgia and the son of former MLB as Jose Contreras, is one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Ranked 35th among 2026 draft prospects, he’ll pitch for Brazil thanks to his maternal Brazilian heritage and is slated to face the United States in pool play on March 6 — a rare stage for a top high-school arm.
Joseph Contreras Scouting Report
Contreras has a high-ceiling profile: clean arm action, standout arm speed and a 94–99 mph fastball with a 99 mph peak recorded in recent outings. His best secondary offering is a splitter that grades as an impact pitch, while his breaking ball remains a work-in-progress. Recent usage shows an uptick in an 88–91 mph cutter that hasn’t been extensively tested against elite competition.
Strengths
- Premium velocity and arm speed in a 6-foot-5 frame.
- Plus splitter/changeup that can be a true out pitch at higher levels.
- Projection to a starter role thanks to athleticism and delivery mechanics.
Concerns
- Short stride limits extension and dampens fastball shape.
- Fastball plays average because of ride/shape rather than pure deception.
- Command is inconsistent, as often seen with young, power arms.
- Breaking ball may slot as the third pitch long-term without significant refinement.
How the WBC Could Change Evaluations
Major-league-caliber hitters and Statcast-enabled stadiums create an ideal environment to measure Contreras’ stuff against top competition. A strong WBC performance could reduce projection risk for teams considering him early in the draft, while struggles — particularly in command or breaking-ball effectiveness — could push evaluators toward safer profiles.
Five More Prospects to Watch
Nolan McLean — RHP, USA (New York Mets) — Top 100 Rank: No. 13
McLean brings dynamic stuff and big-league experience from late-season innings. The WBC offers a pressure-packed look to gauge whether he can sustain frontline starter stuff against elite hitters.
Travis Bazzana — 2B, Australia (Cleveland Guardians) — Top 100 Rank: No. 23
Bazzana shows plus in-game power and plate discipline. The international stage will test his bat-to-ball skills and offer insight into his readiness for an everyday big-league role.
Michael Arroyo — 2B, Colombia (Seattle Mariners) — Top 100 Rank: No. 62
Arroyo is a high-performing, compact hitter with defensive questions. The WBC will clarify whether his ceiling is constrained by physical profile or unlocked by performance against advanced pitching.
Owen Caissie — OF, Canada (Miami Marlins) — Top 100 Rank: No. 77
Caissie’s left-handed raw power, plus speed and arm strength are tantalizing. Facing some big-league arms pre–spring training will indicate if his bat-to-ball issues are solvable at the next level.
Harry Ford — C, Great Britain (Washington Nationals) — Top 100 Rank: No. 82
Ford combines on-base skill with raw power and could compete for early big-league playing time. Defensive framing and the throwing game in international play will be key evaluation points.
Other Position Players of Note
Canada: Tyler Black (Brewers)
Colombia: Dayan Frias (Guardians)
Great Britain: B.J. Murray (Cubs), Matt Koperniak (Cardinals), Kristian Robinson (Diamondbacks), Ian Lewis (Marlins)
Israel: Cole Carrigg (Rockies), Jake Gelof (Dodgers), Zach Levenson (Cardinals), R.J. Schreck (Blue Jays)
Italy: Sam Antonacci (White Sox), Andrew Fischer (Brewers), Nick Morabito (Mets), Dante Nori (Phillies)
Mexico: Jared Serna (Marlins)
Netherlands: Druw Jones (Diamondbacks)
Panama: Leonardo Bernal (Cardinals), Enrique Bradfield Jr. (Orioles)
Puerto Rico: Edwin Arroyo (Reds)
Taiwan: Hao Yu Lee (Tigers), Jonathon Long (Cubs)
Other Pitching Prospects of Note
Canada: Adam Macko (Blue Jays), Matt Wilkinson (Guardians), Antoine Jean (Rockies)
Great Britain: Gary Gill Hill (Rays), Owen Wild (Rays), Brendan Beck (Yankees), Najer Victor (Angels)
Israel: Harrison Cohen (Yankees), Daniel Federman (Orioles)
Italy: Sam Aldegheri (Angels), Dylan DeLucia (Guardians)
Mexico: Luis Gastelum (Cardinals)
Netherlands: Antwone Kelly (Pirates)
Taiwan: Wei-En Lin (A's), Po-Yu Chen (Pirates), Chen Zhong-Ao Zhuang (A's)
NPB/KBO Targets Worth Watching
Cuba: Livan Moinelo (LHP), Raidel Martinez (RHP)
Korea: Do Yeong Kim (3B), Hyun Min Ahn (OF), Ju Won Kim (SS), Si Hwan Roh (3B)
Japan: Shugo Maki (IF), Shota Morishita (OF), Hiroto Takahashi (RHP), Hiroya Miyagi (LHP), Atsuki Taneichi (RHP), Taisei Ota (RHP)
Taiwan: Jo-Hsi Hsu (RHP)
These international veterans and rising stars could become MLB free agents or future imports and are worth tracking for organizational scouting and prospective signings.
Betting Implications and Market Notes
- Player props: Contreras’ high-velocity profile makes K props and strikeout lines attractive when he faces weaker MLB-style lineups.
- Team markets: Brazil vs. USA should be treated cautiously for moneyline bettors; underdogs can be tempting, but pitching-centric props offer cleaner edges.
- Futures and draft markets: A standout WBC performance can move player futures and draft-related market odds, so monitor real-time outcomes and Statcast reports.
Bottom Line
The 2026 WBC doubles as a scouting showcase where top young arms and breakout position players can alter draft boards and early-season expectations.
Aaron Judge talks Team USA captaincy, saluting service members and the WBC group chat
Joseph Contreras is the clearest high-upside talent to watch — his performance against elite talent and under Statcast scrutiny could materially change evaluators’ views and create short-term betting opportunities.
Espn Australia
