8 Baseball Players who Played for Cubs and Dodgers
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 Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers.
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 Cubs and the Dodgers. Here is a mix of all-time greats along with hidden gems that you may have forgotten about.
Cody Bellinger
Cody Bellinger is a highly accomplished player currently with the Chicago Cubs. He made a strong entrance into the MLB, winning the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 2017.
Following his debut season, Bellinger has been a consistent offensive and defensive force. In 2019, he was named the National League Most Valuable Player (MVP), hitting .305 with 47 home runs and 115 RBIs, while also excelling in the field with a Gold Glove award.
Bellinger is not just a regular season player, as he made key contributions to the Dodgers’ multiple postseason runs, including their World Series victory in 2020.
*Bellinger was previously the most popular pick for this square (Grid 112)
Bellinger Key Stats
- MVP (Dodgers)
- Rookie of the Year (Dodgers)
- All-Star (Dodgers)
- Gold Glove (Dodgers)
- Silver Slugger (Dodgers)
- 40+ Home Run Season (Dodgers)
- 100+ RBI Season (Dodgers)
Greg Maddux
Greg Maddux, who pitched from 1986 to 2008, is renowned for his time with the Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves. Known as “The Professor” for his strategic approach to the game, Maddux compiled 355 wins, a 3.16 ERA, and struck out 3,371 batters over his career.
He was an eight-time All-Star (Cubs, Braves) and won an unprecedented four consecutive Cy Young Awards from 1992 to 1995. In addition, he won a remarkable 18 Gold Gloves (Cubs, Braves, Padres), demonstrating his excellent fielding abilities as a pitcher. Maddux was a key part of the Braves’ 1995 World Series win.
His consistent excellence, control, and tactical approach to pitching earned him a spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014.
Nomar Garciaparra
Nomar Garciaparra is best known for his time with the Boston Red Sox, where he was a key figure in the team’s success in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Garciaparra had an immediate impact in the league, winning the American League Rookie of the Year award in 1997. Known for his unique batting stance and exceptional hitting abilities, he won two consecutive batting titles in 1999 and 2000, hitting .357 and .372 respectively.
He was a six-time All-Star and a consistent offensive force, achieving a .313 career batting average with 229 home runs. In addition to the Red Sox, he also played for the Cubs, Dodgers, and Athletics.
Garciaparra Key Stats
- Rookie of the Year (Red Sox)
- All-Star (Red Sox, Dodgers)
- Silver Slugger (Red Sox)
- .300+ Career Average (Red Sox, Dodgers, Cubs, Athletics)
- 200+ Hits Season (Red Sox)
- 100+ RBI Season (Red Sox)
- .300 Batting Average Season (Red Sox, Dodgers)
Craig Kimbrel
Craig Kimbrel made his MLB debut with the Atlanta Braves in 2010, quickly earning the closer role. In his rookie season, he recorded 46 saves, a 2.10 ERA, and was named the NL Rookie of the Year. He went on to lead the National League in saves for four consecutive seasons from 2011 to 2014, earning All-Star honors in each of those years.
After his time with the Braves, Kimbrel played for the San Diego Padres before being traded to the Boston Red Sox. He continued to be one of the league’s best closers, helping the Red Sox win the World Series in 2018 with some crucial postseason performances.
Kimbrel’s later career has included stints with the Cubs, White Sox, Dodgers and Phillies. His ability to strike out batters at a high rate and close out games with efficiency has been a hallmark of his career.
Kimbrel Key Stats
- All-Star (Braves, Red Sox, Cubs, Phillies)
- World Series Champ (Red Sox)
- 300+ Career Saves (Braves, Red Sox, Cubs, Phillies, Dodgers, Padres, White Sox)
- 40+ Save Season (Braves, Red Sox)
Ted Lilly
Ted Lilly pitched for 6 different clubs in his 15-year career, including the Dodgers, Cubs, Yankees, Blue Jays, A’s and Expos.
Lilly was a consistent performer on the mound, racking up over 130 wins and more than 1,600 strikeouts in his career. His ability to mix pitches and locations made him a tough matchup for hitters.
He was a two-time All-Star and his reliability made him a mainstay in Major League rotations for over a decade and possibly one of the greatest #2 pitchers of all time.
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.
Fred McGriff
Fred McGriff was a powerhouse over his 19-year career in majors. Over that time he played for 6 different teams including the Rays, Braves, Blue Jays, Padres, Cubs and Dodgers.
Earning the nickname “Crime Dog” from Chris Berman, McGriff smashed over 490 home runs (career high of 36 in 1989 with the Blue Jays) and 1500 RBIs.
He was a key player in the Braves’ 1995 World Series win and made the All-Star team five times. McGriff was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2023.
Mark Grudzielanek
Mark Grudzielanek, who played from 1995 to 2010, spent his career with several teams, including the Dodgers, Expos, Cubs, Royals, Indians (now Guardians) and Cardinals.
A versatile infielder known for his reliable glove and solid hitting, Grudzielanek amassed over 2,000 hits and earned a Golden Glove in 2006 with the Royals.
He had a standout season in 1996 when he hit .306 with the Expos, and he earned an All-Star appearance in 1996. One year later (still with Expos), he led the majors with 54 doubles.
