History of José Contreras in Timeline
José Ariel Contreras is a Cuban former professional baseball pitcher. He had a career that spanned playing in the Cuban National Series (CNS), Major League Baseball (MLB), and internationally for the Cuban national baseball team. In addition, he played in the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) for the Chinatrust Brothers. His career highlights include pitching at various levels of professional baseball and representing Cuba internationally.
December 6, 1971: José Contreras born
On December 6, 1971, José Ariel Contreras Camejo was born. He is a Cuban former professional baseball pitcher.
March 1999: Contreras Pitches Against Baltimore Orioles
In March 1999, José Contreras pitched for the Cuban national baseball team against the Baltimore Orioles in an exhibition series at Estadio Latinoamericano in Havana. He pitched eight shutout innings, struck out ten, and drew the attention of Major League scouts.
December 26, 2002: Contreras Signs with Yankees
On December 26, 2002, José Contreras signed a four-year, $32 million deal with the New York Yankees.
July 31, 2004: Contreras Traded to White Sox
On July 31, 2004, José Contreras was traded to the Chicago White Sox for pitcher Esteban Loaiza. He then pitched inconsistently until the end of the season.
2004: Inconsistent Performance and Time in the Minor Leagues
In 2004, José Contreras was part of the Yankees' starting rotation but performed inconsistently, leading to an option to the minor leagues for about a month. On June 27, 2004, he had a notable start against the New York Mets, striking out ten batters and pitching in front of his ex-wife and daughters for the first time since leaving Cuba.
2005: Contreras Plays in the World Series
During Game 1 of the 2005 World Series, it was mentioned by commentators that José Contreras' name was banned from being mentioned in Cuba by order of President Fidel Castro. The White Sox won the World Series in four games, sweeping the Houston Astros.
2005: Contreras' Strong Performance and Postseason Success
The 2005 season was marked by mixed results for José Contreras initially, followed by a strong second half. He won his last eight starts and finished the season with a 15-7 record, a 3.61 ERA, and 154 strikeouts. Contreras also secured three postseason victories, threw his first Major League complete game against the Minnesota Twins on September 23, 2005, and helped the White Sox win the World Series.
July 6, 2006: Contreras' Record-Breaking Streak
By July 6, 2006, José Contreras was 9-0 with a 3.31 ERA and 71 strikeouts. On June 23, 2006, he broke the White Sox team record with his 16th consecutive regular-season win.
July 14, 2006: Contreras' Winning Streak Ends
On July 14, 2006, José Contreras lost against his former team, the New York Yankees, ending his 17-game winning streak dating back to the 2005 season.
2007: Contreras' Struggling Season
In 2007, José Contreras struggled with a 10-17 record and a 5.57 ERA. Despite the challenges, he recorded two shutouts, one on May 10, 2007, against the Minnesota Twins and another on September 19, 2007, against the Kansas City Royals.
August 9, 2008: Contreras Ruptures Achilles Tendon
On August 9, 2008, José Contreras ruptured his Achilles Tendon while fielding a ground ball against the Boston Red Sox, causing him to miss the remainder of the season.
May 9, 2009: Contreras sent to Bullpen
After an 0-5 start to the season, José Contreras was sent to bullpen status on May 9, 2009.
May 10, 2009: Contreras sent to Minors
On May 10, 2009, José Contreras was sent to the minor leagues.
May 12, 2009: Contreras Optioned to Triple-A Charlotte Knights
On May 12, 2009, José Contreras cleared waivers and was optioned to Triple-A Charlotte Knights.
June 8, 2009: Contreras Called Up and Earns First Win
On June 8, 2009, José Contreras was called up after the first game of a doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers to start the second game. He pitched eight innings, allowing only one hit and one walk, resulting in his first win.
August 31, 2009: Contreras Traded to Colorado Rockies
On August 31, 2009, José Contreras was traded to the Colorado Rockies with cash for minor league pitcher Brandon Hynick. Following the season, he became a free agent.
January 28, 2010: Contreras signs with Philadelphia Phillies
On January 28, 2010, José Contreras signed a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the Philadelphia Phillies, transitioning to a bullpen role.
October 29, 2012: Phillies Decline Contreras' Option
On October 29, 2012, the Philadelphia Phillies declined José Contreras' 2013 option, making him a free agent.
February 23, 2013: Contreras Signs Minor League Deal with Spring Training Invite
On February 23, 2013, José Contreras signed a minor league deal with an invite to spring training.
June 13, 2013: Contreras Released by Team
On June 13, 2013, José Contreras was released.
June 17, 2013: Contreras Re-signed
José Contreras was re-signed on June 17, 2013.
July 18, 2013: Contreras Released Again
José Contreras was released again on July 18, 2013.
July 19, 2013: Contreras Signs with Red Sox
On July 19, 2013, José Contreras signed a minor league contract with the Boston Red Sox.
December 5, 2013: Contreras Signs Minor League Contract with Rangers
On December 5, 2013, José Contreras signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers.
March 22, 2014: Contreras Granted Release by Rangers
On March 22, 2014, the Texas Rangers granted José Contreras his release after informing him that he would not make the Opening Day roster.
April 1, 2014: Contreras Signs with Toros de Tijuana
On April 1, 2014, José Contreras signed with the Toros de Tijuana of the Mexican League.
April 2, 2015: Contreras Released by Toros de Tijuana
On April 2, 2015, José Contreras was released by the Toros de Tijuana.
July 5, 2015: Contreras Signs with Chinatrust Brothers
On July 5, 2015, José Contreras signed with the Chinatrust Brothers of the Chinese Professional Baseball League.
July 2015: Contreras Wins MVP of July
In July 2015, José Contreras won the MVP award for the month while playing for the Chinatrust Brothers.
August 30, 2015: Contreras' Last Game with Brothers
August 30, 2015, marked José Contreras' last pitched game with the Chinatrust Brothers.
March 28, 2016: Contreras Signs with Tigres de Quintana Roo
On March 28, 2016, José Contreras signed with the Tigres de Quintana Roo of the Mexican Baseball League.
2026: Son Plays in World Baseball Classic
In 2026, José Contreras' son, Joseph, played as a pitcher in the World Baseball Classic for Brazil.
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