8 Baseball Players who Played for Mets 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 that have played for both the New York Mets 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 players who played for both the Mets and 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 Mets and Cubs.
Javier Baez
Javier Baez is in his 10th season in the majors and is currently playing shortstop for the Detroit Tigers. Before Detroit, he spent 8 seasons with the Cubs and 1 with the Mets.
Baez is a two-time All-Star and Gold Glove award winner in 2020. He was the runner-up in for MVP in 2018 when he led the National League in RBIs with 111. (All done while with Cubs)
Because of his success over a long career with the Cubs and his recent stop with the Mets (2021) he is likely to be at the forefront of many fans’ minds with this square.
Javier Baez has previously been the most popular pick for the Cubs / Mets square (Grid 93)
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.
Rare Choices
Players in this tier are generally well-remembered by fans in one team’s uniform but not necessarily the other.
Moises Alou
Moises Alou, who played from 1990 to 2008, is best known for his time as an outfielder with the Montreal Expos, Florida Marlins, and Chicago Cubs.
Over his 17-season career, Alou compiled over 2100 hits, 332 home runs, and a .303 career batting average. He was named an All-Star six times (Expos, Marlins, Astros, Cubs, Giants) and played a key role in the Florida Marlins’ 1997 World Series championship.
His best statistical season might have been in 2000 with the Houston Astros when he hit .355 with 30 home runs and 114 RBIs.
Marcus Stroman
Marcus Stroman was selected in the first round of the 2012 MLB Draft, 22nd overall, by the Toronto Blue Jays. He made his MLB debut in 2014 and quickly established himself as a dynamic and effective pitcher. Standing at only 5 feet 7 inches, Stroman’s stature belies his ability to throw a powerful mix of pitches.
Stroman’s highlights include being named the MVP of the 2017 World Baseball Classic, where he helped lead Team USA to victory. He’s also been an MLB All-Star and has recorded several seasons with double-digit wins.
His career has included stints with the Blue Jays, Mets and Cubs. Stroman’s energetic style and competitive nature have made him a fan favorite, and he continues to be a key figure in the starting rotations of the teams he plays for.
Stroman Key Stats
- All-Star (Blue Jays, Cubs)
- Gold Glove (Blue Jays)
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.
Cliff Floyd
Cliff Floyd, who played from 1993 to 2009, is best known for his time as an outfielder and first baseman with the Florida Marlins and New York Mets.
Floyd had a solid career, collecting over 1400 hits, 233 home runs, and a .278 career batting average. He was named an All-Star in 2001 (Marlins), and he was a key contributor to the Marlins’ World Series championship in 1997.
Floyd’s standout season might have been in 2001 with the Marlins when he posted a .317 batting average with 31 home runs and 103 RBIs.
Ultra Rare
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 both the Cubs and Mets.
Rick Aguilera
Rick Aguilera had a solid 16 year career, best known for his time as a relief pitcher with the Twins. In addition to the Twins, Aguilera also played for the Mets, Cubs and Red Sox.
Transitioning from a starting role to the bullpen, Aguilera amassed over 300 saves in his career including two seasons (’91 and ’92) with over 40. He was a three-time All-Star and consistently among the best closers in the game during his peak.
