Blue Jays pitcher hopes to lead Brazil into World Baseball Classic

The Blue Jays pitching prospect will be in Tucson, Arizona, suiting up for his native Brazil, as the South America's most populous nation tries to make it past the qualifying and onto the World Baseball Classic.

Their division sees them up against China, Colombia, and Germany in a bid to secure a spot in the 2026 edition of the tournament.

Pardinho was initially signed by the Blue Jays as an international free agent back in 2017, and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a Top 100 prospect as an 18 year old in Rookie Ball.

However, after Tommy John surgery in 2020, he has struggled to regain his form, before making a significant jump to Triple-A last year.

While he became a minor league free agent following the conclusion of the 2024 season, he ultimately re-signed a minor league deal with the Blue Jays, which included an invite to Spring Training.

This is not Pardinho's first foray into representing his country.

As a 15-year old, he pitched 2/3 inning against Pakistan at the 2017 WBC qualifiers. He also helped them win silver at the 2023 Pan-American games.

Pardinho will likely begin the year at Triple-A Buffalo. If he pitches well enough this Spring, he could find himself on the Blue Jays 40 man roster.

He struggled to a 5.34 ERA in Buffalo, so he would need to improve his control before the Blue Jays would consider him for a call-up.

Still, he could be one of the surprise stories of Spring.