One Team Players – The Best In The Era of MLB Free Agency
They seem as likely to come across as floppy disks these days – players who have lasted their entire careers with one MLB team. Guys like Joey Votto and Clayton Kershaw are a dying breed. Players who have chosen to stay in the same town, long after they could have left through free agency, often become beloved, and even iconic, in their cities.
Fans elevate their status and treat them differently because, by choosing to stay, it shows something different about these players. Many find ways to stay involved in their cities or with their teams long after retirement. Of course, we know that contracts play a big role in these decisions, but once you have been with a team for 10+ years, fans are going to gravitate to you no matter what the reason.
But teams also have to want to keep players as well. It doesn’t matter how much a player loves a team, if the team thinks a trade is in the best interest of the organization, that player (see Manny Machado) will be gone.
With Yadier Molina now having played over 2,000 games with the Cardinals, and having set the record for games played with one team by a catcher, this is a good time to take a look at some of those memorable players whose careers started after free agency became a part of MLB following the 1976 season, but who still decided to play for the same team their whole career. What would a starting lineup look like for an all-loyalty team?
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.
C – Jorge Posada, Yankees
Jorge Posada is not in the MLB Hall of Fame, but the former All Star still deserves praise for his work as a good hitting catcher. He was one of the important cogs of the Yankees dynasties. While not as famous as some of the other NY stars like Jeter and Bernie Williams, he still played a large role. Joe Mauer also would have been a strong choice here, but Posada’s lengthy time behind the plate earns him the nod. The Yankees recognized Posada by honoring him in Monument Park in 2015.
DH – Edgar Martinez, Mariners
Designated hitter is just not a position that you think of for players staying with a team for their whole career. But, Edgar certainly fits the bill. Not as famous as some of his fellow Mariners players, Martinez is the only member of those famous 90s-00s teams to stay in Seattle his entire career. In an interesting form of recognition, hungry Mariners fans can now head over to Edgar’s Cantina at T-Mobile Park.
SP – Brad Radke, Twins
Of all the positions, starting pitcher is the hardest to come by for this list. Radke put up some very respectable numbers for the Twins, posting a 148-139 record over 12 seasons, along with winning 20 games in 1997. Radke was elected to the Twins Hall of Fame in 2009.
RP – Mariano Rivera, Yankees
Rivera was a dynamo for the Yankees and will forever be known for his role on so many Yankees World Series winning teams. Being a closer tends to be a nomadic role, but somehow Rivera stayed in NYC his whole career. The first unanimous selection to the MLB Hall of Fame, Rivera is right up there in the pantheon of Yankee pitching greats with Whitey Ford, Goose Gossage, and Lefty Gomez, joining them in Monument Park in 2016.
RF – Tony Gwynn, Padres
Tony Gwynn is Mr. Padre, and perhaps no one player (except maybe Ripken), is as intertwined with an MLB team as Gwynn is. Gwynn led the National League in batting average 8 times and is famous for his ability to put the bat on the ball. Lesser known about him was that he was also a fantastic fielder, winning the Gold Glove five times. After his career was over, Gwynn’s presence in the San Diego area loomed large as he coached the San Diego State baseball team for a number of years. Gwynn passed away in 2014, but is remembered by every San Diego fan who passes his statue outside of Petco Park.
CF – Kirby Puckett, Twins
Kirby is beloved in Minnesota, and the image of him leaping to catch Ron Gant’s long drive in the World Series is etched into the memory of many residents of the Twin Cities. Puckett was fantastic with the bat, finishing his career with a .300+ batting average, and he was great with his glove too, winning 6 Gold Glove awards. Puckett passed away at a young age, but is memorialized in Minneapolis with a statue outside of Target Field.
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LF – Alex Gordon, Royals
Alex Gordon may not be a household name like some of the others on this list, but Gordon holds a special place in the hearts of Kansas City faithful. Gordon was drafted second overall by KC. An excellent fielder who won 8 Gold Gloves in left, Gordon also helped bring the World Series back to Kansas City in 2015. Gordon has stayed close to the Royals franchise in his newfound retirement, acting as the representative for the club at the 2021 draft.