1 MLB Player Is Guaranteed to Receive a World Series Ring Regardless of Rays vs. Brewers Result

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Congratulations are in order for 2026 World Series champion Jake Woodford.

Even though Game 1 of the Fall Classic between the Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers has yet to be played, MLB revealed that Woodford is guaranteed to receive a ring no matter what having spent time with both clubs this season.

Woodford, a right-handed relief pitcher, is currently with the Rays after signing a minor-league deal in August. He started this season with Milwaukee, appearing in 16 games out of the bullpen, then was released in July.

After a brief stint with the Chicago Cubs, Woodford joined the Rays as part of their Triple-A club. He was called up on Sept. 24 and made his lone regular-season appearance with Tampa that same day.

Woodford is no longer on the Rays' 26-man roster after being designated for assignment after that Sept. 24 appearance, so he won't play in the Fall Classic.

Still, a guarantee to be recognized as a member of the 2026 World Series champion is a nice consolation prize for a journeyman reliever.

Woodford has spent time in eight different organizations since being drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2015. He made his MLB debut with the Cardinals in 2020.

The 29-year-old has pitched in 130 MLB games with seven different teams. He owns a 5.36 ERA in 283.2 innings.

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