7 Baseball Players who Played for Marlins and Royals
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 Miami Marlins and Kansas City Royals.
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 Marlins and the Royals. Here is a mix of well-known All-Stars along with hidden gems that you may have completely forgotten about.
Jorge Soler
Jorge Soler is an outfielder known for his power-hitting ability. He made his MLB debut in 2014 with the Chicago Cubs and was part of the team that ended the Cubs’ 108-year World Series drought in 2016.
His breakout season came after a trade to the Kansas City Royals. In 2019, he led the American League in home runs with 48, setting a new Royals single-season record. However, Soler’s first All-Star appearance wasn’t until this season with the Marlins.
Soler also has displayed his power in the postseason, earning the World Series MVP award in 2021 as a member of the Atlanta Braves.
*Soler was previously the most popular pick for this square (Grid 115)
Soler Key Stats
- All-Star (Marlins)
- 40+ Home Run Season (Royals)
- 100+ RBI Season (Royals)
Jeff Conine
Jeff Conine, nicknamed “Mr. Marlin,” had a long and notable career in MLB, primarily with the Florida Marlins. Conine spent 17 years in the major leagues, from 1990 to 2007, and hit .285 with 214 home runs and 1071 RBIs in his career.
He was a key player for the Marlins during their World Series championships in 1997 and 2003. Conine was a two-time All-Star, and in 1995, he was named the All-Star Game MVP. He was highly regarded for his consistency and durability, as he played in 100 or more games in 14 out of his 17 seasons.
Conine Key Stats
- All-Star (Marlins)
- 100+ RBI Season (Marlins)
Jim Eisenreich
Jim Eisenreich had a 15-year career with the Twins, Royals, Phillies, Marlins and Dodgers. Despite being diagnosed with Tourette syndrome, Eisenreich had a successful career, tallying over 1,000 hits with a .290 career batting average.
His best season came in 1996 when he hit .361 with the Phillies.
More than his stats, Eisenreich is remembered for his courage and determination in overcoming his condition to have a productive career, including contributing to the Marlins’ 1997 World Series championship team.
Benito Santiago
As a young catcher growing up, I remember seeing Benito Santiago throwing players out from his knees and thought it was the coolest thing ever and something I remember imitating in Little League games.
But, that’s not what matters here. What matters is that 5 time All-Star Benito Santiago played for 9 different teams throughout this 20 year career which makes him an absolute force on the Immaculate Grid.
Santiago played for Padres, Giants, Reds, (Florida) Marlins, Blue Jays, Royals, Pirates, Phillies and Cubs.
Terry Pendleton
Terry Pendleton, who played from 1984 to 1998, is best known for his time as a third baseman with the Cardinals and Braves. He also had stops with the Marlins, Royals and Reds.
Pendleton was a formidable force at the plate and in the field, winning the National League MVP in 1991 with the Braves, and he was instrumental in their dominance throughout the ’90s.
He won three Gold Gloves for his defensive prowess and had a single all-star appearance in 1992.
Jason Vargas
Jason Vargas, a left-handed pitcher, enjoyed a lengthy career in the Major Leagues from 2005 to 2019. He played for six different teams but spent the majority of his time with the Seattle Mariners and Kansas City Royals.
Vargas had a career year in 2017 when he led the American League with 18 wins and earned an All-Star selection while with the Royals. His career statistics include a 99-99 win-loss record, a 4.29 ERA, and 1147 strikeouts.
Omar Infante
Omar Infante made his MLB debut in 2002 with the Detroit Tigers, where he spent the early part of his career. Over the years, he played for various teams including the Atlanta Braves, Florida/Miami Marlins, Detroit Tigers (in a second stint), and Kansas City Royals.
One of the highlights of Infante’s career came while he was with the Kansas City Royals. He was a member of the Royals team that won the World Series in 2015, securing the championship by defeating the New York Mets.
Throughout his career, Infante was known for his solid defense, his ability to make contact at the plate, and his overall consistency. Outside of MLB, he also represented Venezuela in international competitions, including the World Baseball Classic.
Infante Key Stats
- All-Star (Braves)
- World Series Championship (Royals)
- .300 Batting Average Season (Tigers, Braves)
