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Former Chicago White Sox All-Star shortstop Alexei Ramírez became the oldest player to participate in the World Baseball Classic in March. However, he did it illegitimately.
The 44-year-old Cuban tested positive for “metabolites of mesterolone, methandienone, oxandrolone and stanozolol,” the International Testing Agency announced this Wednesday in a statement.
The positive result results in Ramírez’s mandatory provisional suspension from the sport, although he does have the right to challenge the suspension and request its lifting.
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Team Cuba’s Alexei Ramirez bats during the second inning of a World Baseball Classic exhibition game against the Cincinnati Reds at Goodyear Ballpark in Goodyear, Arizona, on March 4, 2026. (Mike Christy/Getty Images)
The steroids Ramirez took are prohibited at all times, meaning they cannot be taken in or out of competition.
“They are synthetic androgenic anabolic steroids associated with the promotion of rapid muscle growth, increased strength and improved physical performance,” the statement said about the steroids.
The test result came from a sample taken during the tournament, the ITA said. Ramírez played just two innings in left field for Cuba during the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
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Team Cuba’s Alexei Ramirez poses for a photo during Team Cuba photo day at Surprise Stadium in Surprise, Arizona, on March 2, 2026. (Jason Hanna/WBCI/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
Cuba did not advance out of pool play in this year’s World Baseball Classic. Ramírez broke Roger Clemens’ record for oldest player, as Clemens set the previous record for oldest player in the World Baseball Classic when he played for the United States at age 43.
Ramírez played for Cuba at the 2004 Athens Olympics, helping them win gold over Australia. He won silver with Cuba during the 2006 World Baseball Classic.
Ramírez played in the Major Leagues for nine seasons, eight with the White Sox and part of one season with the San Diego Padres and Tampa Bay Rays.
Alexei Ramírez plays left field for Team Cuba during the eighth inning of the 2026 World Baseball Classic at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on March 9, 2026. (Al Bello/Getty Images)
He finished second to Evan Longoria in American League Rookie of the Year voting in 2008. He made his only All-Star team with the White Sox in 2015.
Throughout Ramírez’s nine seasons, he had a .270 batting average with 115 home runs, 590 RBIs and 143 stolen bases.
