5 Baseball Players who Played for Rays 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 Tampa Bay Rays 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 Rays and Cubs.
Carlos Pena
Carlos Peña, who played from 2001 to 2014, made his mark as a first baseman primarily with the Tampa Bay Rays. However, Pena also had stops at 7 other clubs including the Tigers, Rangers, Royals, Red Sox, A’s, Cubs and Astros.
Known for his power-hitting ability, Peña accumulated over 1100 hits, 286 home runs and went over 100 RBIs 3 times in a season (Rays). He had a standout season in 2007, when he hit .282 with 46 homers and 121 RBIs, earning him the Silver Slugger Award and Comeback Player of the Year honors.
Pena won a Gold Glove in 2008 and was also an All-Star in 2009 (both with Rays).
Fred McGriff
Fred McGriff was a powerhouse over his 19 year career in majors. Over that time he played for 6 different teams including the Rays, Braves, Blue Jays, Padres, Cubs and Dodgers.
Earning the nickname “Crime Dog” from Chris Berman, McGriff smashed over 490 home runs (career high of 36 in 1989 with the Blue Jays) and 1500 RBIs.
He was a key player in the Braves’ 1995 World Series win and made the All-Star team five times. McGriff was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2023.
Ben Zobrist
Ben Zobrist, a versatile player renowned for his switch-hitting capabilities and his ability to play multiple positions, spent 14 seasons in Major League Baseball from 2005 to 2019.
He began his career with the Tampa Bay Rays and was later a key figure in championship teams for the Kansas City Royals in 2015 and the Chicago Cubs in 2016. In his career, Zobrist batted .266 with 167 home runs and 768 RBIs.
He was also selected to the All-Star team three times (Rays, Cubs) and won the World Series Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 2016 when he hit a crucial RBI double in Game 7 to help the Cubs win their first championship since 1908.
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.
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.
