The World Series hasn’t started yet, but one player is already a champion.
Relief pitcher Jake Woodford played for both the Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays this season, guaranteeing that he becomes a champion.
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The Rays traded the 29-year-old to Milwaukee just before the season began in March. Woodford was in the Brewers’ bullpen to start the season, appearing in 16 games. He had a 1-0 record with a 6.94 ERA and one save in 23 1/3 innings pitched.
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Pitcher Jake Woodford #41 of the Milwaukee Brewers faces the Detroit Tigers during the ninth inning at Comerica Park on April 21, 2026, in Detroit, Mich. (Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
On June 5, Woodford was designated for assignment and subsequently released a few days later. On July 4, he signed a contract with the Chicago Cubs.
Woodford appeared in just one game for the Cubs, allowing three runs in two innings. The Cubs designated Woodford for assignment on July 11, and he was released on July 16. However, the Cubs signed him to a minor league contract on July 18. On July 29, the Cubs selected his contract, returning him to the major league roster.
Woodford threw one scoreless inning on Aug. 3 but was once again designated for assignment by the Cubs on Aug. 4 and released on Aug. 10.
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Jake Woodford #41 of the Tampa Bay Rays poses for a photo during the team’s photo day at Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte, Fla., on Feb. 19, 2026. (Mike Carlson/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
The Rays then brought him back, signing him to a minor league contract on Aug. 11. After more than a month in the minor leagues, the Rays selected his contract and added him to their major league roster on Sept. 24.
Woodford pitched against the New York Yankees, giving up three earned runs in 1 1/3 innings. He was designated for assignment on Sept. 25 and released again on Sept. 29.
Woodford’s roller-coaster ride took him through three different teams over the course of the 2026 season, but one of those teams is guaranteed to win the World Series.
Jake Woodford, No. 41 of the Milwaukee Brewers, pitches during a game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in Detroit, Mich. (Izzy Rincon/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
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However, Woodford is not guaranteed to receive a ring. There is no official rule that requires teams to give rings to every player, as ring distribution is at the discretion of team ownership and management.
The World Series begins on Friday at 8 p.m. ET, with the Brewers hosting the Rays.