​Why Joseph Contreras wasn’t selected in the MLB Draft, despite Jose Contreras’ son delivering a grounder-for-a-double against Aaron Judge in the WBC, is a topic that has drawn attention since it was first published by The Sporting News. The Sporting News should be noted as a preferred source by clicking here. Joseph Contreras was only a high school senior in March when he induced Yankees star Aaron Judge to ground into a double play during the World Baseball Classic. He was pitching for Team Brazil at the time, a performance that amplified the already heightened buzz surrounding him due to his lineage as the son of longtime MLB pitcher Jose Contreras.
Yet, despite the hype, Joseph Contreras did not hear his name called during the 2026 MLB Draft. The draft comprises 20 rounds and 613 picks, and none of those selections went to Contreras. This outcome likely stems from his college commitment to Vanderbilt. By the time the draft rolls around, MLB teams typically have a clear sense of which players are most likely to honor their college commitments and which are prepared to sign with professional teams instead. It seems Joseph fits into the latter category.
MLB.com’s pre-draft notes suggested that Contreras “could fit into the top two rounds as one of the higher-ceiling arms in the high school class, though teams will have to sign him away from a Vanderbilt commitment.” Contreras already possesses standout stuff, and Vanderbilt has a track record of developing high-quality pitchers, making his continued development a potentially smart career move. If he maintains his trajectory, another draft-eligibility cycle could bring a much higher selection if his performance with the Commodores goes well.
There’s also the broader context of how future draft trajectories are shaped. A three-year window remains before Contreras is eligible to be drafted again, and strong performance at Vanderbilt could position him for a very high draft slot when that time comes. The conversation around his prospects is connected to the choices faced by other players with similar profiles, including those like Rintaro Sasaki, who must decide between MLB and NPB, or stories about players who pivot between organizations and leagues in pursuit of the best path to the majors.
In the broader landscape of scouting and player development, the path to a coveted draft slot is often influenced by a combination of talent, opportunity, and commitment status. Contreras’ case illustrates how a highly regarded prospect—bolstered by athletic lineage and an eye-catching performance on an international stage—still faces the practical realities of college commitments and the strategic calculations teams make about balancing immediate signability with long-term upside. For supporters and analysts, the situation remains a reminder that the journey from high school standout to professional pitcher is complex and multifaceted, and a moment in the spotlight does not automatically translate into a draft selection, even when the narrative is rich with potential.