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Former Chicago White Sox All-Star shortstop Alexei Ramírez became the oldest player to ever participate in the World Baseball Classic in March. However, he did so illegitimately.
The 44-year-old Cuban tested positive for “metabolites of mesterolone, metandienone, oxandrolone and stanozolol,” the International Testing Agency announced in a statement on Wednesday.
The positive test results in a mandatory provisional suspension of Ramírez from the sport, although he has the right to contest the suspension and request that it be lifted.
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Alexei Ramirez of the Cuban team bats during the second inning of a World Baseball Classic exhibition game against the Cincinnati Reds at Goodyear Ballpark in Goodyear, Arizona, March 4, 2026. (Mike Christy/Getty Images)
Steroids taken by Ramírez are prohibited at any time, meaning they cannot be taken in or out of competition.
“They are synthetic anabolic androgenic steroids associated with the promotion of rapid muscle growth, increased strength and improved physical performance,” the release says about the steroids.
The test result came from a sample taken during the tournament, the ITA said. Ramírez played only two innings in left field for Cuba in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
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Alexei Ramirez of Team Cuba poses for a photo during Team Cuba Photo Day at Surprise Stadium in Surprise, Arizona on March 2, 2026. (Photos Jason Hanna/WBCI/MLB via Getty Images)
Cuba did not make it out of the pools in this year’s World Baseball Classic. Ramírez broke Roger Clemens’ record for oldest player, as Clemens had set the previous record for oldest player in the World Baseball Classic when he played for the United States at age 43.
Ramírez played with Cuba at the 2004 Athens Olympics, helping to win gold against Australia. He won silver with Cuba in the 2006 World Baseball Classic.
Ramírez played in the big leagues for nine seasons, spending eight with the White Sox and part of one season with the San Diego Padres and Tampa Bay Rays.
Alexei Ramirez 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, 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.
In Ramírez’s nine seasons, he had a .270 batting average with 115 home runs, 590 RBIs, and 143 stolen bases.
