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The 2025 Major League Baseball season proved to be a challenging and unusual one for supporters of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Injuries plagued the roster, and disappointment, underperformance, and general fan unrest were common themes throughout the year.
Yet one of the lesser-known journeyman pitchers who helped the Diamondbacks navigate those difficult times is now guaranteed to become a 2026 World Series champion, regardless of which team ultimately claims the trophy. Such is the beauty of baseball.
Fans may or may not recall the contributions of right-handed relief pitcher Jake Woodford. He made just 22 appearances for Arizona during that memorable 2025 campaign and posted a 6.44 ERA, struggling overall. Woodford was a midseason free-agent signing brought in to address a roster need and mostly pitched bulk innings, often in mop-up duty. However, he did close out back-to-back victories in the ninth inning at Dodger Stadium to end August for the Diamondbacks. Even so, his overall body of work was less than stellar.
Despite a career that has taken him in and out of the major and minor leagues—spanning 10 different organizations at the major league level alone—Woodford will receive a World Series ring this year. Whether the Milwaukee Brewers or the Tampa Bay Rays ultimately hoist the trophy, Woodford will have been part of that journey to MLB history.
The veteran right-hander appeared in 16 games for the Brewers this season, pitching to a 6.94 ERA over 23.1 innings. He was designated for assignment, outrighted to Triple-A, and later released on July 4, which led to a brief stint with the Chicago Cubs. After two outings with the Cubs, he was cut loose again. The Rays picked up Woodford but gave him only one opportunity in the majors. He pitched 1.1 innings for Tampa Bay on September 21, allowing three runs to the Yankees.
Though Woodford certainly did not perform at a high level for either organization, and his contributions may appear minimal, it is important to remember the numerous, often-forgotten pieces of a major league club that pave the way to the Fall Classic. It takes far more than the 26 men who break camp in Spring Training to make it through the long season. Even renowned pitching organizations like Milwaukee and Tampa Bay rely on such depth contributions.
Key Analysis
Woodford's story underscores the unpredictable nature of baseball and the value of depth players. While his individual statistics may not stand out, his presence on the roster provided necessary innings and coverage. This serves as a reminder that championships are built on the efforts of many, including those whose contributions might not always be celebrated. As the 2026 World Series approaches, Woodford's name may not be in the spotlight, but his ring will be a testament to his journey and the role he played, however small, in the success of two contending franchises.