5 Baseball Players who Played for Nationals and Blue Jays
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 Washington Nationals and Toronto Blue Jays.
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.
Here are players who played for both Washington and Toronto. Some are more popular Hall of Famers and a couple are a bit more obscure (if you like playing for low rarity scores).
Jayson Werth
Jayson Werth is recognized for his significant contributions to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, and Washington Nationals. A versatile player, Werth mainly operated as a right fielder, but also had experience at left field and first base.
His MLB journey began with the Toronto Blue Jays, who drafted him in the first round of the 1997 draft. However, he made his major league debut with the Dodgers in 2002.
Werth retired in 2017 after a 15-season career. His career highlights include a batting average of .267, 229 home runs, and 799 RBIs. He played a key role in the Phillies’ 2008 World Series victory and was also an All-Star in 2009 (Phillies).
Otis Nixon
Otis Nixon was a speedy outfielder whose career went from 1983 to 1999. Over those 17 seasons, Nixon played for 9 different teams – Braves, Indians (now Guardians), Montreal Expos, Blue Jays, Twins, Red Sox, Rangers, Dodgers and Yankees.
Nixon wasn’t a big hitter, but he was a whiz on the basepaths, stealing over 620 bases during his career and maintaining a respectable .270 batting average. He’s best remembered for his daring steals and spectacular catches, including an unforgettable game-saving grab in 1992 while with the Braves (video above).
Matt Stairs
Matt Stairs had a lengthy Major League career that spanned from 1992 to 2011, during which he played for 12 different teams, essentially making him an Immaculate Grid Hall-of-Famer.
Known for his power-hitting abilities, primarily as a pinch-hitter, he hit 265 home runs over his career and holds the record for the most pinch-hit home runs in MLB history with 23. Stairs had a career batting average of .262 with an OPS of .832, and recorded 899 RBIs.
Notably, in the 2008 postseason with the Philadelphia Phillies, he hit one of the most famous home runs in Phillies history, helping the team move onto the World Series that year.
Brad Hand
Brad Hand was selected by the Florida Marlins in the second round of the 2008 MLB Draft. He is a relief pitcher known for his quality fastball-slider combination.
Throughout his career, Hand has received several honors, including three All-Star selections in 2017, 2018, and 2019. He has also been among the league leaders in saves multiple times.
Hand has played for 9 different teams in his 13-year career (6 just in the last three seasons) including the Marlins, Padres, Indians, Nationals, Mets, Blue Jays, Phillies, Rockies and Braves.
Hand Key Stats
- All-Star (Padres, Indians)
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.
