Team Brazil's roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic features three players with notable MLB family ties, despite lacking active Major League players. Sons of former stars Dante Bichette, Manny Ramirez, and José Contreras bring inherited talent to the international stage. The team prepares to face tough competition in Pool B, starting with the United States.
The rosters for the 2026 World Baseball Classic were announced on February 5, drawing attention to star-filled lineups across teams. For Brazil, the focus falls on a unique storyline: three players carrying famous baseball surnames at different career stages.
Dante Bichette Jr., son of four-time All-Star Dante Bichette, brings experience from the 2017 qualifiers, where he played alongside his brother Bo Bichette. In the 2026 WBC qualifying tournament, he contributed five runs over four games, helping secure Brazil's qualification. His leadership will support the roster's younger members.
Lucas Ramirez, the youngest son of 12-time All-Star Manny Ramirez, makes his WBC debut. Born on January 16, 2006, Ramirez was selected in the 17th round of the 2024 MLB Draft by the Los Angeles Angels and advanced to their High-A affiliate, the Tri-City Dust Devils, in 2025. Unlike his right-handed father, Ramirez bats left-handed and performed well in qualifiers, going 5-for-13 while showcasing outfield skills. Team Brazil manager Daniel Yuichi Matsumoto praised him, saying, “He’s a fast athlete, defensively speaking. We already saw that he has what it takes.” Ramirez will wear number 24, honoring his father's legacy.
Joseph Contreras, son of longtime MLB pitcher José Contreras, is the youngest player on any WBC roster at 17 years old. Born on May 6, 2008, the right-handed pitcher from Blessed Trinity Catholic High School in Roswell, Georgia, has committed to Vanderbilt University. His fastball reached 98 mph last summer, complemented by a curveball, changeup, and forkball—the last learned from his father. Contreras said, “That was the first pitch I learned to throw.” Ranked No. 47 among 2026 Draft prospects, he offers Brazil significant potential. His father José remarked, “I’m proud of not only the pitcher but the young man that he’s become,” adding, “I’m going to start preparing right now because I don’t want to cry in front of everyone.”
Brazil opens the tournament on March 6 in Houston against favorite Team USA. With no prior WBC wins and Pool B including Mexico and Italy, the team relies on this blend of lineage, emerging talent, and veterans for a breakthrough.
