Joseph Contreras, Brazil
In the World Baseball Classic, some of the most captivating stories come from unexpected places. Brazil may not have won a game, but they introduced us to a young phenom who made waves on the international stage.
Enter Joseph Contreras, a 17-year-old pitcher with a pedigree-his father is former MLB player José Contreras. Despite his youth, Joseph stepped up in a big way, showing why he's ranked as the No. 38 prep prospect for 2026 and a Vanderbilt commit.
Thrown into the fire during pool play, Contreras faced a lineup stacked with talent. After loading the bases, he didn't flinch.
Instead, he dialed up a 97 MPH fastball to strike out Aaron Judge, followed by a crafty 94 MPH sinker that shattered a bat and resulted in an inning-ending double play. His repertoire didn't stop there; he also displayed a changeup with impressive arm-side fade.
While Contreras has some growing to do before reaching the majors, his performance in such a high-pressure environment was nothing short of remarkable. It's clear this young right-hander has a bright future ahead.
Andrew Fischer, Italy
Italy's performance in this year's WBC has been nothing short of spectacular, defying pre-tournament expectations. A key player driving their success is Andrew Fischer, a former first-round pick making his presence felt. After a standout college career at Tennessee, Fischer was selected 20th overall by the Milwaukee Brewers, and he's been making the most of his opportunities since.
In the WBC, Fischer has been on fire, slashing .364/.417/.818 with a 1.235 OPS over three games. His power was on full display when he launched a home run against Great Britain, celebrating with passion as he rounded the bases. This kind of energy and performance is exactly what Italy needed to make their mark.
Though not yet on the top 100 prospect list, Fischer's trajectory through the Brewers' farm system is one to keep an eye on. As 2026 unfolds, he's poised to continue his rise and make a significant impact.