The 29-year-old pitcher reported to spring training with the Tampa Bay Rays, but was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers on March 24 despite posting a sterling 1.23 ERA in Grapefruit League play. Woodford didn't fare well during his short time in Milwaukee. He made 16 appearances and allowed 18 runs in 23.1 innings — a 6.94 ERA — before he was designated for assignment on June 5.
The rest of Woodford's season was even less stable. He spent a month with the Brewers' Triple-A affiliate, then was released. He spent a week with the Chicago Cubs, then was designated for assignment.
After less than two months with the Cubs' Triple-A squad, Woodford was designated for assignment again. He signed a minor league contract with the Rays, got into one big league game, then was DFA'd again. Woodford has been a free agent since September 30.
And yet, remarkably, he's the only man alive guaranteed to receive a World Series ring. More news: Rays Eliminate Guardians, Finalize Historic World Series Matchup Baseball teams observe a unique tradition. Anyone who played for a team at any point during a season that ends in a World Series appearance gets a ring.
The winners can expect to receive gaudier jewelry, but there will be jewelry for every Rays and Brewers player, win or lose. That includes all 56 men who appeared in a game for the Rays, and all 53 for the Brewers, whether they finished the season with a locker in the clubhouse or not. More news: Unlikely Brewers Veteran Wins NLCS MVP After 6-RBI Performance vs Dodgers As the only man to play for both pennant-winning teams in 2026, Woodford is in good shape.
Never a star player, Woodford is 11-17 with a 5.36 ERA across 130 appearances in a big-league career that began with the St. He's already achieved journeyman status, having pitched for seven teams at the highest level since 2023. Woodford might not take part in a World Series parade before his career ends, but he'll always have 2026 — and a story to tell his children.
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