Ex-Met Ruben Tejada set for ‘last step’ of playing career with Panama in WBC as new path gets underway By Howie Kussoy Published March 3, 2026, 6:49 p.m. ET Panama's infielder #11 Ruben Tejada misses a shot during the Caribbean Series baseball game between Panama and Venezuela at Marlins Park in Miami, Florida, on February 6, 2024. AFP via Getty Images TAMPA — Rubén Tejada is taking one last ride.
The 36-year-old former Mets shortstop — whose six-season run in Queens ended a decade ago, months after Chase Utley’s infamous takeout slide broke his leg — will soon make his third appearance with Panama at the World Baseball Classic.
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When his team’s run at the event concludes, Tejada’s playing career will end, too.
“It’s the last step,” Tejada said before Tuesday’s exhibition game against the Yankees. “I’m almost retired, but I still have the same passion for the game, same passion for the team, same passion for the country. I hope everything goes well and we advance and I finish my career strong.”
