Players with Most Franchise Changes in MLB History
MLB veterans often change teams frequently, with some having played for as many as 14 franchises. Players like Tommy Pham, Edwin Jackson, and Matt Stairs highlight this phenomenon.
Sticking with only one team can be a special thing, with players such as Cal Ripken Jr. (Baltimore), Tony Gwynn (San Diego), Chipper Jones (Atlanta) and Derek Jeter (New York) spending their entire careers with just a single franchise.
Then there are the MLB veterans who have experienced the opposite. These well-traveled journeymen bounce from team to team, getting a taste of the action in cities across the league. On one hand, these players might never settle into a comfortable home, but on the other hand, some team always is interested in their services. Many of these baseball vagabonds have enjoyed a great deal of success -- even if it was split between many clubs.
Take Tommy Pham, who just agreed to a free-agent deal with the Pirates. Pittsburgh will be Pham's 10th team in 12 big league seasons, and when he suits up for the Pirates in 2025, he'll join the relatively small group of Major Leaguers to play for double-digit teams.
Here's a look at the more than 40 players who have played for at least 10 franchises:
- Edwin Jackson, RHP, 2003-2019: Played for 14 teams, including the Dodgers, Devil Rays, Tigers, and others. Retired in September 2022.
- Octavio Dotel, RHP, 1999-2013: Played for 13 teams, including the Mets, Astros, and Yankees.
- Rich Hill, LHP, 2005-2024: Played for 13 teams; reinvented his career with the Red Sox.
- Mike Morgan, RHP, 1978-2002: Played for 12 teams during a 22-year career.
- Matt Stairs, OF/1B, 1992-2011: Played for 12 teams; known for his record in pinch-hitting.
- Fernando Rodney, RHP, 2002-2019: Played for 11 teams, winning a championship ring in 2019.
- Paul Bako, C, 1998-2009: Played for 11 teams, including the Braves, Cubs, and Marlins.
- Miguel Batista, RHP, 1992-2012: Played for 11 teams, including the D-backs and Marlins.
This trend continues with many players over the years, showcasing the ever-changing landscape of Major League Baseball.
