Aaron Judge Hails “Impressive” 17-Year-Old Pitcher Joseph Contreras After USA’s Win over Brazil

Aaron Judge was full of praise for Joseph Contreras, the 17-year-old pitcher against whom he GIDP to end the second inning.

Aaron Judge Hails “Impressive” 17-Year-Old Pitcher Joseph Contreras After USA’s Win over Brazil

Aaron Judge and Joseph Contreras (Image via Yardbarker/NY Post)

As Team USA began its 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) campaign on Friday, several eyes were on Aaron Judge as he got ready to represent his team. Brazil’s pitcher, Joseph Contreras, was, however, the one who stole the spotlight. Judge would later hail him.

The Americans took on Brazil in their Pool B opener at Daikin Park in Houston. After falling against Japan in the final of the 2023 edition, they were hoping for a strong start to this campaign as they aim to go one better than last time out.

In his first at-bat in the WBC, Judge went yard. Hours after his MLB rival, Shohei Ohtani, stole the show with a grand slam in Team Japan’s opener, Judge opened the scoring for Team USA with a 2-run home run off against Bo Takahashi.

In the bottom of the first inning, Brazil would pull one run back through Lucas Ramirez. The son of 12-time MLB All-Star Manny Ramirez would crush a solo shot off Logan Webb.

In the top of the second innings, Brazil would make a pitching change and bring in 17-year-old Joseph Contreras. The young pitcher first got the better of Bryon Buxton before giving up a double to No. 9 hitter Brice Turang.

He then faced the top of the line-up and walked Bobby Witt Jr. and Bryce Harper to load up the bases for Aaron Judge. With Ohtani hitting a grand slam earlier in the day, it seemed inevitable that Judge would match his moment.

However, that did not happen. The young pitcher managed to ground out Judge in an inning-ending double play. On a 94 mph sinker, the New York Yankees star ended up breaking his bat.

In the end, Judge and Team USA walked out as comfortable 15-5 winners. Despite another home run from Ramirez and one from Victor Mascai, Brazil were no match for the hosts and suffered a huge loss.

After the game, Judge was full of praise for Contreras. The young pitcher threw 1.2 innings and gave up 1 run through 2 hits an 3 walks.

While speaking with the reporters after the game, the American League MVP hailed the 17-year-old and called him “impressive.“

Impressive. I know I wasn’t doing that at that age. Just great stuff. I know he had some poise on the mound. He’s throwing up to 100 miles an hour. He’s facing Team USA, a lot of guys he has seen on TV. It was just impressive.

Aaron Judge said regarding Joseph Contreras

As per reports, Contreras is the youngest player in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. He is currently a high school senior at Blessed Trinity Catholic High School in Roswell, Georgia. He is also the son of 2005 World Series winner Jose Contreras, who played 11 seasons in the major leagues.

Aaron Judge claims it time to take care of some business as USA make strong start at 2026 WBC

Team USA kicked off their 2026 WBC campaign with a strong 15-5 win over Brazil. After their win, Aaron Judge expressed that it was time for them to take care of some business.

Aaron Judge
Aaron Judge (Image via ClutchPoints)

While speaking with the reporters, Judge previously claimed his heart was pounding as he was standing on the deck and looking at Bobby Witt Jr. He would then hail the unreal atmosphere created by the fans at the stadium. After that, the Yankees star would talk about the team and how they had gelled together.

We’ve got a squad here that’s excited. We’re gelling pretty early, which has been great. It’s time to take care of some business.

Aaron Judge said

The USA, who won the tournament in 2017, fell on the final hurdle in 2023. In the final moments, Shohei Ohtani would strike out then-USA captain Mike Trout. As Ohtani won the first matchup against his ex-teammate, Japan clinched their third WBC title as they won 3-2.

With the USA winning gold medals in ice hockey at the Olympics, Judge and Team USA are even more motivated to bring back the title. Their next encounter will see them take on Great Britain with 2-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal taking to the mound as the starting pitcher.

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