6 Baseball Players who Played for Pirates and Mets
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 Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Mets.
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 4 players who played on both the Pirates and Mets.
Bobby Bonilla
Bobby Bonilla was a big-hitter whose career spanned from 1986 to 2001, playing for 8 different teams over that time. You may know him as a Pirate, Met or Marlin but he also played for the Orioles, Braves, Cardinals, Dodgers and White Sox.
Bonilla helped the Marlins grab a World Series ring in ’97. He hit over 280 home runs and 400 doubles during his career. He was a six-time All-Star.
But what he’s most famous for is his contract with the Mets, who still pay him over a million bucks every July 1 (known as “Bobby Bonilla Day”) due to a deferred payment deal. So even though there were some bumps, Bonilla definitely made a mark in baseball, both on and off the field.
Jason Bay
Jason Bay, a Canadian-born outfielder, had a successful career in Major League Baseball from 2003 to 2013. Notably, Bay had successful stints with the Boston Red Sox and Pittsburgh Pirates, where he showed his power at the plate.
Bay kicked off his career with a bang, winning the National League Rookie of the Year award in 2004 while playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was selected to the All-Star team three times (Pirates, Red Sox) and hit over 200 home runs in his career.
Starling Marte
Starling Marte is in his 12th year in the majors and is currently an outfielder with the New York Mets. Prior to the Mets, he has played for the Pirates, Marlins, Diamondbacks and A’s.
Marte is a 2x All-Star (Pirates, Mets) and a two-time Gold Glove winner (Pirates). He’s currently 2nd among all active players in stolen bases with 337.
Marte has been an excellent player over the past decade and his recency with the Mets (currently on the roster) and his 8 years with the Pirates will be fresh in many fans’ minds.
Jay Bell
Jay Bell, who played from 1986 to 2003, spent most of his career as a shortstop with the Pirates and Diamondbacks. Bell was a solid all-around player, accumulating over 1,900 hits, 195 home runs, and 860 RBIs in his career.
Bell made All-Star games with both the Pirates and Diamondbacks (1 each). He was also a part of the Diamondbacks’ World Series championship team in 2001.
Bell was known for his dependable glove, winning a Gold Glove in 1993, and his consistency at the plate made him a valuable contributor in Major League lineups for nearly two decades.
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.
Daniel Vogelbach
Daniel Vogelbach was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the second round of the 2011 MLB Draft. He is a first baseman but has primarily filled the role of designated hitter, who has played for the Mariners, Brewers, Blue Jays, Pirates and Mets.
In his MLB career, Vogelbach has shown power at the plate, highlighted by his All-Star selection in 2019 while with the Mariners. In that season, he hit 30 home runs and drove in 76 runs, batting .208 with a .341 on-base percentage.
Vogelbach has been known for his strong batting eye and home run ability. His defensive limitations have often led him to be used as a designated hitter in the American League.
