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One Team Players – The Best In The Era of MLB Free Agency

By Tim Ponisciak

ST LOUIS, MO - SEPTEMBER 24: Yadier Molina #4 of the St. Louis Cardinals acknowledges his teammates in the dugout after recording his 2,000th career hit with a single against the Milwaukee Brewers in the seventh inning at Busch Stadium on September 24, 2020 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)
ST LOUIS, MO - SEPTEMBER 24: Yadier Molina #4 of the St. Louis Cardinals acknowledges his teammates in the dugout after recording his 2,000th career hit with a single against the Milwaukee Brewers in the seventh inning at Busch Stadium on September 24, 2020 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images) /

1B – Jeff Bagwell, Astros

Bagwell was a stalwart in the Astros lineup in the 90s and 00s, leading the Killer B’s. Many players on this list were a part of their MLB organization their entire careers, including in the minors, but Bagwell actually started in the Red Sox organization, before being traded as a minor leaguer to the Astros for Larry Andersen. He retired having played across 15 years in the majors, exclusively with the ‘Stros, and finishing his career as the Astros all-time leader in walks, RBI, and home runs. He now serves as Community Outreach Executive for the Astros’ front office.

2B – Craig Biggio, Astros

It must have been comforting for Astros fans to see both Biggio and Bagwell on the right side of the infield for so long. Biggio manned the second sack for the Astros for the majority of his time in Houston, though he also played catcher early in his career, and found time in the outfield later in his career as well. Looking at the Astros all-time leader list is like a game of ping pong between Bagwell and Biggio, with Biggio leading the ‘Stros in hits, total bases, runs scored, and doubles. Biggio has stayed connected to the Astros, as he is currently a special assistant to the GM.

SS – Cal Ripken, Orioles

This may be the toughest position to pick, with two all-time MLB greats in Ripken and Jeter. But, ultimately, the Iron Man wins out, with a career WAR of 95.9 per Baseball Reference, beating out Jeter whose career WAR pales in comparison at 71.3. Ripken may be best known for his streak, but he also won two MVPs with the Orioles along with the Rookie of the Year award. He is synonymous with the Orange and Black for every baseball fan, even owning an Orioles minor league affiliate.

3B – Chipper Jones, Braves

While they may have been better known for their pitching, Chipper Jones was the offensive rock for the great Braves teams of the 90s. Jones is one of a select few players to live up to their draft potential, having been picked number one overall by the Braves in 1990. He showed his worth over the course of his career, winning the MVP for the Braves in 1999. Jones was hired as a hitting consultant for the Braves prior to the 2021 season.

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