The Toronto Blue Jays are coming off an incredible 2025 season that led to their first appearance in the World Series since 1993. Toronto finished the regular season with a record of 94-68, winning its first American League East title in a decade.
In the Fall Classic, the Blue Jays took the Los Angeles Dodgers to Game 7, but fell to the Dodgers, who won their second straight World Series trophy.
Advertisement
This offseason, Toronto general manager and senior vice president of baseball operations Ross Atkins and manager John Schneider have been busy. They have made a number of big splashes, hoping to replicate their success from a year ago.
Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider (14)© Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
(© Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images)
Toronto signed right-handed starting pitcher Dylan Cease to a seven-year, $210 million contract and Japanese infielder Kazuma Okamoto to a four-year, $60 million deal. The Blue Jays also added starter Cody Ponce, reliever Tyler Rogers and re-signed three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer.
Advertisement
While they have their sights set on another deep postseason run in 2026, the Blue Jays are also looking to add for their future. With the 2026 World Baseball Classic beginning this week, young, talented stars from around the world will show off their skills on a global stage.
On Thursday, The Canadian Baseball Network’s Bob Elliot reported that Toronto was scouting Brazil’s right-handed pitcher Joseph Contreras, the son of former major leaguer Jose Contreras.
Advertisement
Jose Contreras spent 11 years as a pitcher in MLB. In 299 career appearances, he had a 78-67 record with a 4.57 ERA. His son, a 17-year-old who attends Blessed Trinity Catholic High School in Georgia, is committed to play college baseball with the Vanderbilt Commodores.
Contreras is ranked a 10 out of 10 in Perfect Game’s prospect grade and has a fastball that has been up to 98 mph.
He and the rest of Brazil will open pool play in the WBC against the United States on Friday on Fox at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas. First pitch is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.
Advertisement
Related: Team USA Makes Unexpected Ernie Clement Move Before Rockies Game
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.