When a team wins the World Series, the celebration doesn’t end on the field—players, coaches, and staff are often honored with championship rings.

First, it’s important to understand that MLB doesn’t have a formal rulebook for ring distribution. Unlike postseason eligibility or roster rules, there is no league-mandated requirement for who receives a World Series ring. The decision is entirely up to the winning team.

How Does MLB Award World Series Rings to Players Traded Midseason?

World Series rings are a prestigious symbol of a team’s championship victory. But its distribution isn’t governed by a strict set of league-wide rules. Instead, it is at the discretion of each team, leading to varied practices regarding who receives a ring.

Unlike postseason eligibility or roster requirements, the league does not have an official rulebook dictating who must receive a World Series ring. The decision is entirely up to the winning team’s ownership and management. This flexibility allows teams to recognize contributions in a manner they deem appropriate.

World Series rings are team-issued honors, funded and distributed by the team’s ownership. The design and distribution of these rings are managed internally, and the criteria for who receives one can vary widely.

Players who were traded midseason but had a significant impact during the regular season are often considered for a ring.

Several players traded midseason have received World Series rings. Traded to the Astros in July 2022, Jake Odorizzi made significant contributions before the trade and was awarded a ring despite not being on the postseason roster.

This season, two baseball players can start looking forward to their 2025 World Series rings—even though they won’t be taking the field in the Fall Classic.

Are Buddy Kennedy and José Ureña Eligible for a World Series Ring in 2025?

Doesn’t matter if the Dodgers or the Blue Jays win the World Series—starting this Friday at Rogers Centre—Buddy Kennedy and José Ureña will be taking home a championship souvenir.

The journeymen appeared in games for both teams during the 2025 season. That is why they are entitled to a championship bauble.

Kennedy also played for the Phillies this season. He started the year with Philadelphia and appeared in four games for the eventual NL East champs before being released on July 5.

Then, a few days later, on July 9th, Kennedy signed with the Toronto Blue Jays and was called up in early August during a road trip out West. In his brief stint with the team, he appeared in just two games—one against the Colorado Rockies and another against the Dodgers—where he recorded his only hit for Toronto, a double in a 9-1 loss.

Kennedy’s 2025 season was a whirlwind, to say the least. After being designated for assignment, he was picked up by the Los Angeles Dodgers on August 15. He played seven games for them, going 1-for-17 at the plate, before being released again.

He eventually re-signed with the Blue Jays on a minor-league deal and finished the season with their Triple-A team in Buffalo.

Ureña, on the other hand, had a truly nomadic year, moving between five different teams. The Dominican right-hander started with the New York Mets, then played for the Blue Jays, Dodgers, and Minnesota Twins, and finally landed with the Los Angeles Angels.

Why Ring Eligibility Is About Tradition, Not Rules

In Major League Baseball (MLB), the awarding of World Series rings is a deeply ingrained tradition that extends beyond the confines of the field.

MLB teams have historically used these rings to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of players, coaches, and staff members who contribute to a championship season. This tradition underscores the idea that a team’s success is the result of a collaborative effort, with each individual playing a vital role.

Over the years, several renowned jewelry companies have helped bring the World Series ring tradition to life, including Jason of Beverly Hills, Jostens, Tiffany & Co., Balfour, and Dieges & Clust. These companies work closely with the winning team to design rings that capture the unique story of the season, incorporating special details that represent both the team’s achievements and its franchise history.

Quick Facts: MLB World Series Rings