From the global stage of the inaugural World Baseball Classic to a defining defensive play in one of the most iconic no-hitters in MLB history, Alexei Ramírez built a legacy rooted in consistency, poise, and quiet excellence.
Ramírez never fit the mold of a headline-grabbing superstar, yet his career is threaded through some of the most memorable moments of modern baseball.
Cuban Veteran’s Baseball Career Has One More Chapter
Ramírez last appeared in the major leagues in 2016, closing a career that produced an outstanding 21.8 bWAR. That figure reflects years of steady performance at one of baseball’s most demanding positions and underscores just how valuable he was to the teams that relied on him. After leaving MLB, he played in 2018 for the Diablos Rojos del México, appearing in 37 games and posting a .647 OPS — a modest epilogue to a career defined by reliability and clutch contributions.
Signed by the Chicago White Sox out of Cuba, Ramírez debuted in 2008 at age 26 and quickly became a fixture at shortstop. For nearly a decade, he anchored Chicago’s infield, combining durability with productive two-way performance. From 2008 through 2015, Ramírez routinely logged over 145 games per season, providing stability in a position notorious for injuries and fluctuations. He then played 145 games combined for the San Diego Padres and Tampa Bay Rays.
At the plate, he was quietly productive. He posted four seasons with at least 15 home runs, peaked at 21 in 2013, and consistently added stolen bases and timely hits. His standout campaign came in 2010, when he slashed .282/.326/.431, stole 14 bases, and finished sixth in American League MVP voting. An All-Star selection in 2014 further recognized his steady excellence.
Defensively, Ramírez is remembered for one unforgettable moment. On July 23, 2009, with Mark Buehrle on the brink of history, Ramírez ranged deep into the hole at shortstop, backhanded a scorching ground ball, and fired a perfect throw to first base. The play preserved Buehrle’s no-hitter and instantly became one of the most replayed defensive highlights of the era. It was a perfect example of Ramírez’s career: calm under pressure, precise in execution, and central to something bigger than himself.
Alexei Ramírez Set to Play for Cuba Again in World Baseball Classic
Before he ever set foot on a major league field, Ramírez had already made history on the international stage. At just 24 years old, he represented Cuba in the inaugural 2006 World Baseball Classic, a tournament that transformed the perception of global baseball. That Cuban roster was loaded with elite talent, including future MLB stars Yunel Escobar and Yuli Gurriel. Escobar became a reliable big-league infielder, while Gurriel would later emerge as a batting champion and World Series winner.
Fast forward to 2026, and Cuba is once again preparing for the World Baseball Classic. While Zach Neto was initially the favorite to handle shortstop duties, Cuba left Cuban-Americans off the preliminary roster, opening the door for veterans and current MLB talent to shine. Among the MLB players reportedly on Cuba’s preliminary 2026 roster are Yoán Moncada, a versatile infielder and veteran contributor; Andy Ibáñez, a slick-fielding infielder; Andy Pages, a promising outfielder; and pitchers Yariel Rodríguez, Daysbel Hernández, and Lázaro Estrada. Should Ramírez suit up, he would be returning to a national team that blends rising stars with established big-league talent, creating a bridge between generations.
Alexei Ramírez is on Cuba’s preliminary roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, per sources.
Ramírez, 44, who spent nine seasons in MLB, was part of the inaugural World Baseball Classic in 2006 in Puerto Rico at age 24, and would return to the tournament 20 years later. pic.twitter.com/UXrLeaEHVb
— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) December 31, 2025
Alexei Ramírez may never have been the flashiest name in the box score, but his career is a masterclass in reliability, clutch defense, and quiet excellence. From representing Cuba on a global stage in 2006, to preserving a no-hitter, to being part of a 2026 roster with some of MLB’s brightest Cuban-born stars, his story embodies the spirit of baseball: teamwork, history, and moments that live far beyond the stat sheet.
Main Photo Credit: © Brad Rempel-Imagn Images