Contreras signed with the Royals as part of their 2025 international signing class for just $147,000 out of the Dominican Republic, and he didn’t turn 17 until Aug. 10 -- right before he wrapped up an excellent Dominican Summer League season. He posted a 3.30 ERA there, striking out 37 batters across 30 innings with 13 walks. He also started for the American League in the DSL All-Star Game, although he allowed four earned runs and recorded just two outs.
Listed at 5-foot-11, Contreras might not be super tall in stature, but he’s very strong and throws effortlessly from the mound. Answering the questions about his durability and velocity because of his smaller size, he already sits 95-98 mph with his heater, pairing it with a downer curveball that has great spin and an average changeup that plays off his fastball well. Contreras threw strikes in the DSL and has a repeatable delivery that helps with his command, as the ball comes out of his hand free and easy.
Contreras is young and still has far to go with his development, but there’s upside of a mid-rotation starter. He arrived stateside for the 2026 season but suffered an elbow injury that required season-ending UCL surgery in the spring. Contreras will likely still only be 18 by the time he returns to a Minor League mound with plenty of promise still ahead.
