8 Baseball Players who Played for Cubs and Orioles
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 Baltimore Orioles and the 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 players who played for both the Orioles and the Chicago Cubs.
Popular Choices
Guys in this tier are likely to be popular picks because of a combination of the impact they made on both teams and/or how recently they’ve played for both the Orioles and Cubs.
Trey Mancini
Trey Mancini was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the 8th round of the 2013 MLB Draft. Mancini’s power-hitting ability and versatility on the field, along with his resilience and determination, endeared him to fans and made him a key player for the Orioles.
Mancini made his major league debut with the Orioles in 2016 and quickly established himself as a reliable hitter. He had a standout season in 2019, hitting .291 with 35 home runs and 97 RBIs, leading the team in several offensive categories.
In 2020, Mancini was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer, causing him to miss the entire season. His return to baseball in 2021 became an inspirational story, as he successfully came back to play at a high level after undergoing treatment.
Mancini Key Stats
- World Series Champ (Astros)
- .300 Batting Average Season (Orioles)
*Trey Mancini has been the most popular pick for the Cubs / Orioles square for a previous grid (Grid 93).
Rafael Palmeiro
Rafael Palmeiro began his MLB career with the Chicago Cubs in 1986. He also had stints with the Rangers and Orioles. Throughout his career, he was a model of consistent production, hitting 30 or more home runs in ten seasons and driving in 100 or more runs in ten seasons as well.
One of the most significant milestones of Palmeiro’s career was joining the 3,000-hit club, a feat achieved by only a select group of players in MLB history. Additionally, he surpassed 500 home runs, making him one of the few players with both 3,000 hits and 500 home runs.
However, Palmeiro’s illustrious career was not without controversy. In 2005, he tested positive for an anabolic steroid, which led to a 10-game suspension. The incident, especially given Palmeiro’s prior testimony before Congress where he denied using steroids, sparked significant debate and arguably impacted his legacy in the game.
Palmeiro Key Stats
- All-Star (Cubs, Rangers, Orioles)
- Gold Glove (Orioles, Rangers)
- Silver Slugger (Orioles, Rangers)
- 3000+ Career Hits (Cubs, Rangers, Orioles)
- 500+ Career Home Runs (Cubs, Rangers, Orioles)
- 200+ Hit Season (Rangers)
- 40+ Home Run Season (Orioles, Rangers)
- 100+ RBI Season (Rangers, Orioles)
Rare Choices
These guys are generally well-remembered for one team, but not necessarily both.
Sammy Sosa
Sammy Sosa, a power-hitting outfielder from the Dominican Republic, played in the Major Leagues from 1989 to 2007, most famously for the Chicago Cubs.
Sosa hit over 600 home runs in his career, making him one of only nine players to achieve this feat. He was named an All-Star seven times (Cubs), won the National League MVP (Cubs) in 1998, and was renowned for his homerun race with Mark McGwire that same year.
Despite some controversy surrounding performance-enhancing drugs later in his career, Sosa’s exuberant personality and remarkable power at the plate left a significant impact on the sport.
Steve Traschel
Steve Trachsel, who pitched from 1993 to 2008, is most recognized for his time with the Chicago Cubs and New York Mets. Trachsel had a steady career, compiling 143 wins, a career 4.39 ERA, and striking out 1591 batters.
Although never an overpowering pitcher, he was known for his durability and consistency. His best season arguably came in 1996 with the Cubs when he posted a 13-9 record and a 3.03 ERA with 132 strikeouts, helping him to his lone All-Star appearance.
Known for his methodical pace on the mound, which earned him the nickname “The Human Rain Delay”, Trachsel carved out a long and successful career as a reliable starter.
Ultra Rare Choices
These players are considered ultra-rare because they’re not generally associated with either team. This is usually due to the brief amount of time they spent with the Orioles and Cubs.
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.
Joe Carter
When I hear Joe Carter I still picture him in a Toronto Blue Jays uniform running the bases after hitting a walk-off home run to win the World Series in 1993.
In addition to the Blue Jays, Joe Carter played for 5 other teams over his 16-year career – the Indians (now Guardians), Padres, Cubs, Giants and Orioles.
The five-time All-Star (all with the Blue Jays) led the league in RBIs with 121 in 1986 while playing with the Cleveland Indians.
Jamie Moyer
Jamie Moyer was a steady pitcher in baseball for an impressive stretch from 1986 to 2012. He made a name for himself with teams like the Mariners and Phillies, but also had stops with the Cubs, Orioles, Rangers, Rockies, Cardinals and Red Sox.
Over his career, he snagged over 260 wins, proving that you don’t need a blazing fastball to get the job done. Moyer was an All-Star once and was also a big part of the Phillies’ World Series win in 2008.
What’s really cool about him is that he pitched in the majors until he was 49, which is just amazing.
Heathcliff Slocumb
You may remember Heathcliff Slocumb as a relief pitcher with the Phillies and Red Sox in the 90s, but he was a bit of a journeyman playing for 8 teams over the course of 10 years. (Cubs, Phillies, Cardinals, Red Sox, Mariners, Padres, Indians (now Guardians), Orioles)
He was a solid reliever with some good seasons and even an all-star appearance while with the Phillies in 1995.
However, he might be best known in baseball lore for being traded from the Red Sox to the Mariners in 1997 for Derek Lowe and Jason Varitek, a deal that later appeared very lopsided in Boston’s favor.
