Former Blue Jays pitcher announces decision to retire following WBC

Paolo Espino 39, is on the roster for Team Panama alongside Blue Jays infielder Leo Jimenez has made the decision to retire following the conclusion of the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Espino is one of three players competing who also played in the inaugural 2006 edition, along with the Netherlands' Shairon Martis, and Team Cuba's Alexei Ramirez; at 45 the longtime Chicago White Sox infielder is the oldest player in the contest.

Alexei Ramirez played for Team Cuba in 2006 and returns to the squad in 2026, nearly 10 years after his last MLB appearance. At 44 years old, he is the oldest player in this year's tournament.

Shairon Martis tossed the first no-hitter in tournament history as an 18-year-old in 2006 and is back on Team Netherlands this year. This will be his 5th World Baseball Classic appearance.

Paolo Espino pitched for Team Panama in 2006 and 2009 and is back in 2026. He pitched in parts of 6 MLB seasons, with his last appearance coming in 2024 with Toronto.

His decision to retire was first announced by Antonio Puesan, a former minor league player for the Kansas City Royals and current Spanish language reporter.

Espino last pitched in the major leagues in 2024 with the Blue Jays. In three appearances for Canada's team, he went 0-1 with an 8.31 ERA.

In parts of six MLB seasons, Espino has a career 5-15 record, with a 5.42 ERA in 97 games, which include 42 starts and one save.

In addition to Toronto, he has suited up for the Milwaukee Brewers, Texas Rangers, and Washington Nationals, and was originally drafted by the-then Cleveland Indians back in 2006.

He has also appeared in the Mexican League, pitching to a 12.31 ERA with the Conspiradores de Querétaro in 2025.

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