5 Baseball Players who Played for Angels and Cubs
There is a good chance that if you’ve found this page then you’re playing the Immaculate Grid.
That also means that today’s grid has asked for players who have played for both the Los Angeles Angels and Chicago Cubs.
And, it also means that you’re probably stuck on this particular box and you’re looking for a little help. Sound about right so far?
Well, good news, you’re in the right place.
I’ve done some research and have found a player who played for both the Angels and Cubs.
Popular Choices
The following players could be popular choices based on the impact they had on both teams or how recently they suited up for each team (often both).
John Lackey
John Lackey, a right-handed pitcher, carved out a strong MLB career from 2002 to 2017, primarily with the Los Angeles Angels, Boston Red Sox, and Chicago Cubs. Over his career, Lackey recorded 188 wins with a 3.92 ERA and 2294 strikeouts.
He was an All-Star in 2007 (Angels) and was known for his tough, competitive approach on the mound. Lackey achieved rare success in the postseason, winning World Series titles with the Angels (2002), Red Sox (2013), and Cubs (2016).
In fact, he became the first pitcher in history to start and win the clinching game of a World Series as a rookie with the Angels in 2002.
*Lackey was previously the most popular pick for this square (Grid 105).
Jim Edmonds
Jim Edmonds was a superstar in baseball from 1993 to 2010, mostly known for his time with the Angels and Cardinals, but also played for the Padres, Reds, Cubs and Brewers. Edmonds was a serious threat at the plate and a wizard in the outfield, helping the Cardinals snag a World Series ring in 2006.
He hit over 390 home runs and kept a solid .284 batting average throughout his career. Edmonds was selected for the All-Star game four times and earned eight Gold Gloves for his spectacular defensive plays.
Rare Choices
Gary Matthews jr
Gary Matthews Jr., the son of former Major League player Gary Matthews, was an outfielder with a career spanning from 1999 to 2010. Known for his agility and speed, he played for seven teams during his career including the Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Angels.
A standout year for Matthews Jr. was 2006 with the Rangers, where he hit .313 with 19 home runs, 79 RBIs, and 102 runs, leading to his only All-Star selection. His career totals include a .257 batting average, 108 home runs, and 484 RBIs.
Matthews Jr. is perhaps best remembered for an incredible over-the-wall catch in 2006 while with the Rangers, a highlight that still plays in baseball reels today.
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Dan Haren
Dan Haren, an effective right-handed pitcher, played from 2003 to 2015 in the Major Leagues. He was a part of eight different organizations, with substantial time spent with the Oakland Athletics, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Los Angeles Angels.
A three-time All-Star (A’s, Diamondbacks), Haren had a career that featured both durability and consistency, pitching over 200 innings in seven separate seasons.
He had a career 153-131 win-loss record, a solid 3.75 ERA, and an impressive 2013 strikeouts. Known for his control, Haren consistently ranked among the league leaders in strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Rich Hill
Rich Hill is an Immaculate Grid beast. The left-handed pitcher has played for 13 different clubs over his incredible 19-year career – one that is still ongoing as I’m writing this (he’s currently pitching with the Padres).
Hill’s MLB journey began when he was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 2002. After making his major league debut in 2005, he had initial success with the Cubs, particularly in 2007 when he had a standout season. However, injuries, inconsistency, and command issues led to him bouncing around the minors and various MLB teams for several years.
After refining his pitching approach and mechanics, he experienced a career resurgence starting in 2015. At an age when many players see diminished returns, Hill became one of the most effective starters in baseball. This late-career renaissance led to stints with the Red Sox, Athletics, Dodgers, Twins, and Rays.
