WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC: POOL D - ISRAEL VS VENEZUELA

March 7, 2026

William Contreras

LoanDepot Park

Team Venezuela

Pregame Press Conference

Q. I just wanted to ask, being around Miguel Cabrera, how has it been being around him, and have you picked up anything as far as hitting or just how he approaches the game?

WILLIAM CONTRERAS: It's really good to have Miguel on the team. It's not easy to do. We know who is Miguel Cabrera on the team and we know what he's done in his career. We have to, like, prove those moments to him, and I'm really glad to have him on the team.

Q. How are you feeling this Classic, especially with so many Venezuelans in Miami? And how about the game yesterday? Your brother and you wrote history because you participated in the same game.

WILLIAM CONTRERAS: Yes, it's been a beautiful experience being here representing our country. It is not easy to carry Venezuela on the chest. We are going to do our best, and it's beautiful to have my brother on the team.

This is the first time that we've spent so many days together. He's always my example, and I take advantage of all the moments in the team.

Q. Wilson said yesterday in the press conference that the way he sees you so calm, so focused makes him feel so proud. It's always difficult to represent Venezuela. You are so young. How do you do that? And you come from a baseball family.

WILLIAM CONTRERAS: I was thinking about that after the game. Maybe it's a talent that I have. My brother told me that, and Salvador Perez told me the same, that the way I take the game, that I approach the game, so calm. Wilson, I have to thank him all the time. We have different styles. I'm more calm, quote-unquote, but I always give my best, and yeah, that's it. Different styles.

Q. Yesterday during the game, we were talking with your dad and your mom and your brother, and we were speaking about their experience to not only see you in the majors but to have you here in Miami representing Venezuela. How are the talks with them? They are living this experience as Venezuelans but also as a family.

WILLIAM CONTRERAS: We just have to thank them, my daddy, my mom, for doing what they did for us. Thanks to them, we are here. It is time for us now to work for them. We love them, and we are very grateful. We are very happy these days. Like I said, we haven't spent so many days together in baseball, and yes, we want to give them a great show, the show that they deserve.

Q. Omar López spoke about the challenges for him in this WBC. For you as a catcher and the game plans with the pitchers and the special work that you have to do for this Classic?

WILLIAM CONTRERAS: Yes, it's kind of complicated and difficult. This is the first time playing with so many different pitchers. It's like when you join a new team, you don't know anybody. But the catcher should have that responsibility to study our pitchers. We have a great staff, a great team, and I believe that we can do a great job in this Classic.

Q. What do you expect from this game?

WILLIAM CONTRERAS: Just to give my country what they deserve, joy. They are waiting for this. And the Dominican Republic, Venezuela and all the teams are going to take a break to watch the game, and they deserve a good show throughout the game. Of course they want to see their country winning.

Q. The influence of Victor Martinez in the Venezuelan team today and the commitment of Victor, Santana, and Miguel Cabrera to support the team in this WBC.

WILLIAM CONTRERAS: It is not easy to have that trio in the same dugout. That's why we have to take advantage of this. They are legends, history for Venezuela.

I know Victor, and I have to thank him for all the tips. I met him in 2017, 2018 when he started working with my brother. He deserves our respect.

And Miguel Cabrera, what to say. He's a great player. He's been a great player.

Q. The Dominicans love you guys, Venezuelans. Even if on social media there is some rivalry between the fans, there is a brotherhood between you as players. Can you please tell me the Dominican player in the WBC that you like the most in terms of game style and why.

WILLIAM CONTRERAS: I don't remember the rivalry between the Dominican and Venezuelan fans. I get along with all the Dominicans. I go a lot to the DR. I don't have an issue with them. I like so many players. They are great players. Tatís, the way he plays baseball, Vladmir Guerrero, they all play very aggressively. They are top-level players.