7 Baseball Players who Played for Royals 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 Kansas City Royals 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 on both the Royals and the Padres.
Popular Choices
Eric Hosmer
Eric Hosmer is in his 13th season in the majors. He’s spent most of that time with the Royals (7 years) and Padres (5 years), but has also played for the Cubs and the Red Sox.
Hosmer is a 4-time Gold Glove award winner and was an All-Star in 2016 (all with the Royals). His best season may actually have been in 2017 though when he hit over .300 while racking up 192 hits and 25 home runs.
Because of his talent and the recency he has played for multiple different teams, Hosmer will be a popular pick for multiple grid squares.
*Hosmer was the most popular pick (72%!) for this square in a previous grid (Grid 97).
Rare Choices
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)
Miguel Tejada
Miguel Tejada racked up 6 All-Star awards and an MVP award in 2002 while playing with the Oakland Athletics. He led the league in RBIs with 150 in 2004 while with the Orioles. He also led the league in doubles with 50 in 2005 with the Orioles.
Tejada played for six different teams over his 16-year career – Oakland, Baltimore, Houston, Kansas City, San Diego and the San Francisco Giants.
Benito Santiago
As a young catcher growing up, I remember seeing Benito Santiago throwing players out from his knees and thought it was the coolest thing ever and something I remember imitating in Little League games.
But, that’s not what matters here. What matters is that 5 time All-Star Benito Santiago played for 9 different teams throughout this 20 year career which makes him an absolute force on the Immaculate Grid.
Santiago played for Padres, Giants, Reds, (Florida) Marlins, Blue Jays, Royals, Pirates, Phillies and Cubs.
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RONDELL WHITE
Rondell White, who played from 1993 to 2007, is best known for his time as an outfielder with the Montreal Expos and San Diego Padres.
Over his 15-year career, White notched over 1500 hits, 198 home runs, and maintained a .284 career batting average. He was named an All-Star in 2003 (Padres) and consistently displayed solid offensive production.
White’s most productive season arguably came in 1997 with the Expos when he batted .270 with 28 home runs and 82 RBIs.
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.
ULTRA RARE CHOICES
Jeff Suppan
Jeff Suppan played for 7 different teams (Royals, Cardinals, Red Sox, Brewers, Diamondbacks, Pirates, Padres) over his 17-year career. Suppan was known for his consistent performance on the mound, amassing over 140 wins in his career.
His most successful stint came with the Cardinals, where he played a crucial role in their 2006 World Series run, earning the NLCS MVP for his stellar performance.
Despite not being a big strikeout pitcher, Suppan was a dependable arm in the rotation, providing valuable innings for his teams over a lengthy career.
