8 Baseball Players who Played for Blue Jays and White Sox
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 that have played for both the Toronto Blue Jays and the Chicago White Sox.
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 players who played for both the Blue Jays and the White Sox.
Frank Thomas
Frank Thomas played for 19 years in the majors and is best known for his time as a first baseman and designated hitter with the Chicago White Sox. However, he also had quick stops at Toronto and Oakland at the back end of his career.
Thomas was one of the most feared sluggers of his era, amassing over 2,400 hits and 521 home runs, and maintaining a .301 career batting average. A five-time All-Star (White Sox), Thomas won back-to-back American League MVP awards in 1993 and 1994 (White Sox).
His imposing presence at the plate and keen eye, which resulted in a high on-base percentage, made him a key figure in the resurgence of the White Sox in the 90s. Thomas’ remarkable career earned him a spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014.
Roberto Alomar
Roberto Alomar is the quintessential Immaculate Grid player. Not only did he play for 7 different teams (Blue Jays, Padres, Indians (now Guardians), Orioles, Mets, White Sox and Diamondbacks) he played in All-Star games for 4 of them!
Alomar was an exceptional all-around player, earning 12 All-Star selections, 10 Gold Glove Awards, and 4 Silver Slugger Awards. He amassed over 2,700 hits, scored over 1500 runs and stole over 450 bases.
Alomar was also instrumental in the Blue Jays’ back-to-back World Series championships in 1992 and 1993, and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2011.
Marcus Semien
Marcus Semien has excelled in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a versatile infielder. Originally drafted by the Chicago White Sox in 2011, he made his MLB debut with them in 2013.
He was traded to the Oakland Athletics before the 2015 season, where he honed his skills as a top-tier shortstop. His 2019 season with the Athletics stands out, as he finished third in the American League (AL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) voting. That year, he hit 33 home runs, racked up 92 RBIs, and scored over 120 runs.
Semien earned his first All-Star nod in 2021 with the Blue Jays, hitting .265 with 45 home runs and 102 RBI. Beyond his impressive statistics, Semien’s defensive skills and leadership qualities have been vital for his teams.
Semien Key Stats
- All-Star (Blue Jays, Rangers)
- Golden Glove (Blue Jays)
- Silver Slugger (Blue Jays)
- 40+ Home Run Season (Blue Jays)
- 100+ RBI Season (Blue Jays)
David Wells
David Wells, nicknamed “Boomer”, was a major force on the baseball mound from 1987 to 2007, spending time with the Blue Jays, Yankees, Padres, and several other teams including Tigers, Red Sox, Dodgers, Reds, Orioles and White Sox.
A key player in the Yankees’ ’98 World Series win, Wells also pitched a rare perfect game that same year.
His career stats are impressive, with a total of 239 wins and over 2,200 strikeouts over the course of 21 seasons.
Francisco Liriano
Francisco Liriano began his MLB journey with the Minnesota Twins in 2005, quickly making an impression as one of the league’s promising young pitchers. In 2006, his breakout season, he was named an All-Star, and while his year was cut short due to Tommy John surgery, his performance left a lasting impression.
Over the years, Liriano played for various teams, including the White Sox, Pirates, Blue Jays, Astros, and Tigers. One of his career highlights came with the Pirates, where he won the 2013 National League Comeback Player of the Year after an impressive season on the mound.
Throughout his career, Liriano was known for his devastating slider and ability to generate strikeouts. His journey in the MLB was characterized by moments of sheer dominance, resilience in the face of injuries, and adaptability as he transitioned roles, even serving as a relief pitcher later in his career.
Loriano Key Stats
- All-Star (Twins)
- World Series Champ (Astros)
- 200+ Strikeout Season (Twins, Pirates)
Orlando Hudson
Orlando Hudson, an infielder known for his exceptional defense at second base, played in Major League Baseball from 2002 to 2012. He showcased his skills with several teams, including the Toronto Blue Jays, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Los Angeles Dodgers.
Hudson was a two-time All-Star (Diamondbacks, Dodgers) and four-time Gold Glove Award winner (Blue Jays, Diamondbacks, Dodgers), demonstrating his outstanding fielding abilities. With a career batting average of .273 and over 1300 hits, he was also a very capable hitter.
Edwin Encarnacion
Edwin Encarnación, a Dominican player who debuted in 2005, is best recognized for his time as a designated hitter and first baseman with the Toronto Blue Jays and Cleveland Indians (now Guardians).
Over his impressive career, Encarnación amassed over 1800 hits, belted more than 400 home runs, and maintained a batting average close to .260. He was a three-time All-Star (Blue Jays) and the AL RBI leader, once driving in 127 runs in a season.
His most productive season came in 2012 with the Blue Jays when he hit .280 with 42 home runs and 110 RBIs.
Mark Buehrle
Mark Buehrle, who pitched from 2000 to 2015, is best known for his time with the Chicago White Sox.
Over his 16-season career, Buehrle won 214 games, posted a 3.81 ERA, and struck out over 1800 batters. He was named an All-Star five times (White Sox, Blue Jays) and won four Gold Glove awards (White Sox, Marlins), demonstrating his defensive skills as a pitcher.
Buehrle played a key role in the White Sox’s 2005 World Series championship and famously pitched a perfect game in 2009.
