7 Baseball Players who Played for Rays and Padres
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 San Diego Padres.
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 Padres.
B.J. Upton
B.J. Upton, who played from 2004 to 2016, is best known for his time as an outfielder with the Tampa Bay Rays. Upton was a dynamic player, recording over 1200 hits, 164 home runs, and 300 stolen bases in his career.
Though never an All-Star, Upton had a key role in the Rays’ run to the 2008 World Series with his impressive postseason performance. His best season arguably came in 2007 when he hit .300 with 24 home runs and 22 stolen bases.
James Shields
James Shields earned the nickname “Big Game James” for his reputation of delivering strong performances in crucial games. Shields began his MLB career with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2006 and quickly established himself as a cornerstone of their rotation.
During his time with the Rays, he played a crucial role in the team’s transformation from perennial cellar dwellers to American League champions. In 2008, he helped lead the Rays to their first-ever World Series appearance.
In 2012, Shields was traded to the Kansas City Royals. With the Royals, he continued to be a reliable and effective starter, helping guide the team to a World Series appearance in 2014, their first since 1985, although they were defeated by the Giants. Following his time with the Royals, Shields pitched for the Padres and the White Sox.
Shields Key Stats
- All-Star (Rays)
- 200+ Strikeout Season (Rays, Padres)
Jason Bartlett
Jason Bartlett, a shortstop in Major League Baseball, played from 2004 to 2014, mainly known for his stints with the Minnesota Twins and Tampa Bay Rays.
Renowned for his solid defense, speedy base running, and clutch hitting, Bartlett was a pivotal player in the Rays’ 2008 run to the World Series. His career year was 2009, when he hit .320, with 14 home runs, 66 RBIs, and 30 stolen bases, earning him a spot on the All-Star team.
Although not a power hitter, Bartlett proved to be a productive offensive contributor, ending his career with a .270 batting average, 31 home runs, and 123 stolen bases.
Greg Vaughn
Greg Vaughn was a formidable power hitter in the outfield with a 15-year Major League career from 1989 to 2003. He had notable tenures with the Brewers, Padres, Reds, and Devil Rays.
Vaughn was a four-time All-Star and finished fourth in the 1998 National League MVP voting when he belted 50 home runs, aiding the Padres to reach the World Series.
Over his career, he compiled a .242 batting average, smashed 355 home runs, and drove in 1072 runs. His best years were likely 1998 and 1999 when he hit 95 home runs combined.
Vaughn Key Stats
- All-Star (Brewers, Padres, Rays)
- Silver Slugger (Padres)
- 40+ Home Runs Season (Padres, Reds)
- 100+ RBIs Season (Padres, Reds)
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.
Hunter Renfroe
Hunter Renfroe is in his 8th year in the majors and he’s bounced around with multiple teams in his career. He’s currently with the Angels, but has played for the Padres, Rays, Brewers and Red Sox.
Renfroe has been a consistent starter in right field with pretty much every team he’s played for and considering he’s been at 5 different teams since 2019, there is a good chance he’ll be a popular pick for multiple grid squares.
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.
