​Who’s Pitching to Willson Contreras? Why Jose Flores is the HR Derby Pitcher for the Red Sox is a feature that originally appeared on NESN. Be sure to add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Willson Contreras has crafted the most remarkable season of his career to date, earning him a rightful spot in the 2026 MLB Home Run Derby. The event is set for Monday night, and Contreras is one of eight contenders vying for the crown. Since this will be his first Home Run Derby, he had to select a pitcher to throw to him for the showcase.
The pitcher chosen for Contreras in the Derby is Jose David Flores, the Red Sox’s interim bench coach. Flores started the season as the first base coach, but after the club reworked its coaching staff, he stepped into the bench coaching role under interim manager Chad Tracy. MLB.com notes that Flores and Contreras have known each other since Contreras was in the Chicago Cubs’ minor league system in 2013. Contreras told MLB.com that Flores is “one of the best batting practice pitchers I’ve had in my life,” adding that Flores works at a steady, effective pace. “I’ve known Willson since he was a puppy,” Flores said. “I’ll try to throw cookies and hopefully put them on the barrel so he can get into a good rhythm. It’s all about rhythm. Seeing the success he’s had this season defensively and offensively makes me extremely proud, and I hope to put him in a position to succeed and be one of the Derby’s finalists.”
No matter the outcome, it’s a cool opportunity to bring a nearly decade-long relationship onto a national stage. Stay updated with the latest Red Sox news, including the 2026 schedule and roster, as well as the complete history of Red Sox championships, for better SEO reach. This story is part of NESN’s coverage and reflects the team’s evolving storyline as they navigate the Derby and the 2026 season.