Brazil’s Rising Stars Shine in WBC Loss to USA: Ramirez & Contreras Impress

March 7, 2026 – In a surprising display of talent and determination, two young players with deep baseball lineage shone brightly for Brazil during their Friday night encounter with Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. Despite a 15-5 defeat, the performances of Lucas Ramirez and Joseph Contreras offered a glimpse into the potential future of Brazilian baseball and captivated onlookers at Daikin Park in Houston.

Lucas Ramirez, the 20-year-old son of former MLB All-Star Manny Ramirez, made an immediate impact, launching two solo home runs – including a leadoff blast against San Francisco Giants pitcher Logan Webb. His display earned him the distinction of being the youngest player in WBC history to achieve a multi-homer game. Ramirez’s success, however, wasn’t simply a matter of inherited talent. He revealed a deliberate mental preparation, routinely practicing affirmations and visualizations in the months leading up to the tournament. “Ever since the (WBC) qualifiers, I was envisioning that first at-bat bomb,” Ramirez said. “And it’s crazy that it actually happened. For five months, I’ve been – every time before I go to bed after I pray, I visualize it. And it happened.” He punctuated his first home run by rounding the bases and exclaiming, “I told you!”

Contreras, at just 17 years and 291 days old, became the youngest player ever to participate in the WBC. The high school senior from Blessed Trinity Catholic High School in Atlanta delivered a pivotal moment for Brazil, inducing a ground-ball double play from USA captain Aaron Judge with the bases loaded. The play, a significant achievement against a formidable opponent, immediately became a career highlight. “That has to be up there,” Contreras stated. “That’s definitely like a top two moment. I would say the first one obviously was winning the state championship back home. There’s nothing better than winning it all.”

The emergence of Ramirez and Contreras is particularly notable given Brazil’s limited presence in professional baseball. The team currently lacks any active MLB players on its roster, making the contributions of these young talents all the more significant. Both players benefit from a unique connection to the sport through their fathers. José Contreras, Joseph’s father, was a World Series champion with the Chicago White Sox in 2005 and an All-Star in 2006. The presence of both fathers in the stands at Daikin Park underscored the familial pride and legacy at play.

Lucas Ramirez acknowledged the weight of his father’s legacy, stating, “Having Manny Ramirez as my father is obviously a good thing and a bad thing. It’s a little hard. Everybody expects so much. That’s why, maybe, I visualize and say things, I guess – because I got to paint my own picture. I got to be Lucas Ramirez, and I got my own path.” His performance on Friday night was a clear statement of his intent to forge that path.

While Team USA ultimately secured a comfortable victory, the game wasn’t without its challenges. The Americans struggled to capitalize with runners in scoring position, leaving 13 baserunners stranded and hitting just 5-for-21 in those situations. However, the focus remained on the inspiring performances of the Brazilian newcomers.

The impact of Ramirez and Contreras extends beyond the immediate game. Their presence has ignited interest in the potential of Brazilian baseball and offered a source of national pride. Ramirez, who regularly visits his grandparents’ livestock farm in Brazil and speaks both Spanish and some Portuguese, emphasized his growing connection to the country. He has immersed himself in Brazilian culture, learning about the nation’s previous WBC appearances and even picking up some Brazilian funk dance moves from his teammates.

Brazil’s remaining pool play schedule includes matches against Italy, Mexico, and Great Britain. While a tournament win remains a significant challenge, the performances of Ramirez and Contreras have instilled a sense of optimism and demonstrated the growing potential of the Brazilian national team. Their debut serves as a compelling narrative of young talent emerging on the international stage, carrying the weight of family legacy while simultaneously forging their own identities within the sport.

The night at Daikin Park wasn’t just about the final score; it was about the emergence of two players who, through dedication, visualization, and a strong familial foundation, are beginning to write their own chapters in the story of international baseball.