It wasn’t official before, but it is now.
Former White Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez has made Team Cuba’s official roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. It was first reported by MLB insider Francys Romero in December that Ramirez was part of the preliminary roster, though it was uncertain if he’d make the final team.
Ramirez, now 44 years old, spent eight of his nine Major League seasons on the South Side. During that span, the “Cuban Missle” hit .273/.310/.399 while winning two Silver Slugger awards at shortstop and finishing second to Evan Longoria in American League Rookie of the Year voting in 2008. He still holds the major league record for most grand slams in a rookie season with four.
After the 2015 season, Ramirez signed with the Padres and was traded to the Rays during what would be his final season in the majors. He went on to play one more professional campaign for Mexico in 2018, slashing .303/.359/.418, before formally announcing his retirement in 2021.
Ramirez was part of the inaugural World Baseball Classic in 2006 as a 24-year-old. Having played primarily first base as of late, he will certainly be celebrating the 20th anniversary in unprecedented fashion as the oldest player in this year’s tournament.
Along with Ramirez, five White Sox players on the team’s current roster will also be competing, with several former players also in the mix. Interestingly enough, the son of 2005 World Series Champion Jose Contreras, Joseph, has made Team Brazil’s roster at just 17-years-old. He’s on the opposite end of the age spectrum, making him the youngest participant in the games.
The first round of the WBC will be held March 5-11, with the top two teams from each pool advancing to the quarterfinals, scheduled for March 13-14 at Daikin Park in Houston and loanDepot Park in Miami. The semifinals will be played March 15-16 in Miami, followed by the championship game on March 17.
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