Alexei Ramírez, who set record as oldest player in World Baseball Classic history, tests positive for steroids

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FormerChicago White SoxAll-Star shortstop Alexei Ramírez became the oldest player to ever participate in the World Baseball Classic in March.However, he did it 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 incurs a mandatory provisional suspension of Ramírez fromthe sport,although he does have the right to challenge the suspension and ask for its lifting.

Alexei Ramirez batting for Team Cuba at Goodyear Ballpark

Alexei Ramirez of Team Cuba 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 Ramírez took are prohibited at all times, meaning they cannot be taken in or out of competition.

“They are synthetic anabolic-androgenic steroids associated with promoting rapid muscle growth, increased strength and enhanced physical performance,” the statement said of the steroids.

The result of the test came from a sample taken during the tournament, the ITA said.Ramírez played just two innings in left field for Cuba during the 2026World Baseball Classic.

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Alexei Ramirez posing for a photo at Surprise Stadium in Arizona

Alexei Ramirez of Team Cuba 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 the oldest player, as Clemens set the previous record for the oldest player in the World Baseball Classic when he played for the United States at 43 years old.

Ramírez played with Cuba at the 2004 AthensOlympics, helping win gold over Australia.He won silver with Cuba during the 2006 World Baseball Classic.

Ramírez played in the big leagues for nine seasons, spending eight with the White Sox and parts of a season with theSan Diego Padresand Tampa Bay Rays.

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Alexei Ramirez playing left field during a baseball game in San Juan Puerto Rico

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, on March 9, 2026.(Al Bello/Getty Images)