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As the Milwaukee Brewers prepare to host the Tampa Bay Rays in the opening game of the World Series, one pitcher will be celebrating regardless of the outcome. Right-hander Jake Woodford, who spent time with both teams during the 2026 campaign, is assured of receiving a World Series ring.
Woodford's journey began with the Rays, who traded him to the Brewers in March. Milwaukee released him on July 4, and he subsequently signed with the Chicago Cubs, where he struggled to a 9.00 ERA in two appearances. After the Cubs parted ways with him, he returned to the Rays, but they designated him for assignment on September 25. The 29-year-old finished the season with a 7.81 ERA and one save in limited action, and he is not on either team's World Series roster.
Despite his absence from the active roster, Woodford will still receive a ring because he was on both teams' rosters at some point during the season. This practice is common in Major League Baseball, where players who spent any time with a championship team are often awarded rings.
Historical Precedents
Woodford's situation is not unique. In 2011, Arthur Rhodes pitched for the Texas Rangers early in the season before being acquired by the St. Louis Cardinals in August. When the two teams met in the World Series, Rhodes was guaranteed a ring, which he earned with the Cardinals. Similarly, in 2010, Bengie Molina started the year with the San Francisco Giants but was traded to the Rangers to clear space for Buster Posey. The Giants won the Series, and Molina received a ring.
These examples illustrate that while uncommon, such occurrences do happen from time to time. Woodford now joins that list, and he will be the lucky recipient in 2026.
The World Series is scheduled to begin on Friday night at 8 p.m. Eastern Time, with the Brewers hosting the Rays. Regardless of which team emerges victorious, Woodford will have a ring to show for his season.
Woodford was originally drafted by the Cardinals in 2015 and had brief stints with the Chicago White Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Arizona Diamondbacks before joining the Rays and Brewers. His career has been marked by transitions, but this season's unique path has led to an unexpected reward.