Best Utility Players of All Time: The Unsung Heroes of Baseball
Utility players are the unsung heroes of baseball, capable of filling in at multiple positions and providing their teams with invaluable flexibility. These players may not always get the spotlight, but their ability to adapt and excel wherever they’re needed makes them some of the most valuable assets in the game.
This list celebrates the 10 best utility players of all time, honoring those who have mastered the art of versatility and made significant contributions to their teams throughout their careers.
10: Marwin González (2012 – Present)
Position: Utility Player (Infield/Outfield)
Height/Weight: 6’1″, 205 lbs
Bats/Throws: Switch/Right
Teams: Houston Astros, Minnesota Twins, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees
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Marwin González has established himself as one of the most versatile utility players in modern baseball. Known for his ability to play almost every position on the field, González has been a key contributor to his teams’ success, particularly during his time with the Houston Astros.
He played a pivotal role in the Astros’ 2017 World Series championship, providing clutch hitting and stellar defense across multiple positions. González’s versatility has allowed him to fill in wherever needed, making him an invaluable asset throughout his career.
9: Bill Spiers (1989 – 2001)
Position: Utility Player (Infield/Outfield)
Height/Weight: 6’2″, 190 lbs
Bats/Throws: Left/Right
Teams: Milwaukee Brewers, New York Mets, Houston Astros
Bill Spiers was the epitome of a utility player throughout his 13-year MLB career. Spiers played every infield position and even took on outfield duties when needed.
His versatility and consistent performance made him a valuable player, particularly during his time with the Houston Astros, where he was a key contributor to the team’s playoff runs in the late 1990s. Spiers was known for his solid defense, reliable bat, and team-first attitude, making him a fan favorite and a trusted option for managers looking to fill multiple roles.
8: Martin Prado (2006 – 2019)
Position: Utility Player (Infield/Outfield)
Height/Weight: 6’0″, 185 lbs
Bats/Throws: Right/Right
Teams: Atlanta Braves, Arizona Diamondbacks, Miami Marlins, New York Yankees
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Martin Prado was one of the most reliable and versatile players of his era, known for his ability to play multiple positions at a high level. Throughout his career, Prado played every infield position as well as left field, providing excellent defense and a consistent bat.
His best years came with the Atlanta Braves, where he was an All-Star in 2010. Prado was known for his high baseball IQ, strong work ethic, and leadership, both on and off the field. His versatility and ability to deliver in key moments made him an invaluable player for every team he played for.
7: Mark DeRosa (1998 – 2013)
Position: Utility Player (Infield/Outfield)
Height/Weight: 6’1″, 215 lbs
Bats/Throws: Right/Right
Teams: Atlanta Braves, Texas Rangers, Chicago Cubs, Cleveland Indians, St. Louis Cardinals, San Francisco Giants, Washington Nationals, Toronto Blue Jays
Mark DeRosa was the ultimate utility player, known for his ability to seamlessly transition between positions while providing a strong bat in the lineup. DeRosa played every infield position and all three outfield spots during his 16-year MLB career.
He was particularly valuable for his ability to fill in wherever needed while maintaining a high level of play. DeRosa had his best offensive seasons with the Chicago Cubs and was a key contributor to playoff teams throughout his career. His leadership, versatility, and clutch hitting made him a respected player in every clubhouse he entered.
6: Chone Figgins (2002 – 2014)
Position: Utility Player (Infield/Outfield)
Height/Weight: 5’8″, 180 lbs
Bats/Throws: Switch/Right
Teams: Anaheim/Los Angeles Angels, Seattle Mariners, Los Angeles Dodgers
Chone Figgins was one of the most dynamic utility players of his generation, known for his speed, versatility, and ability to get on base. Figgins played nearly every position on the field during his career, excelling as a leadoff hitter and a catalyst for the Angels’ offense.
He was an All-Star in 2009 and played a key role in the Angels’ success during the mid-2000s, including their 2002 World Series championship run. Figgins’ ability to play multiple positions at a high level, combined with his elite baserunning, made him a nightmare for opposing teams and a valuable asset for his managers.
5: Chris Taylor (2014 – Present)
Position: Utility Player (Infield/Outfield)
Height/Weight: 6’1″, 196 lbs
Bats/Throws: Right/Right
Teams: Seattle Mariners, Los Angeles Dodgers
Chris Taylor has become one of the premier utility players in modern baseball, known for his ability to play almost every position on the field while providing solid offense. Taylor’s versatility has been a key factor in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ success, particularly during their 2020 World Series championship run.
He has played every position except for catcher and first base, and his clutch performances in the postseason have made him a fan favorite. Taylor’s combination of defensive versatility, speed, and timely hitting makes him one of the most valuable utility players in the game today.
4: Bert Campaneris (1964 – 1983)
Position: Utility Player (Infield/Outfield)
Height/Weight: 5’10”, 160 lbs
Bats/Throws: Right/Right
Teams: Kansas City/Oakland Athletics, Texas Rangers, California Angels, New York Yankees
Bert Campaneris was one of the original utility players, known for his speed, defense, and ability to play multiple positions at a high level. Campaneris was a six-time All-Star and a key member of the Oakland Athletics’ dynasty in the 1970s, winning three consecutive World Series titles from 1972 to 1974.
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He is famously known for playing all nine positions in a single game in 1965. Campaneris’ versatility, combined with his ability to steal bases and provide excellent defense, made him one of the most valuable players of his era.
3: José Oquendo (1983 – 1995)
Position: Utility Player (Infield/Outfield)
Height/Weight: 5’10”, 160 lbs
Bats/Throws: Switch/Right
Teams: New York Mets, St. Louis Cardinals
José Oquendo, nicknamed “The Secret Weapon,” was one of the most versatile players of his generation, known for his ability to play every position on the field, including pitcher and catcher. Oquendo spent the majority of his career with the St. Louis Cardinals, where his defensive versatility was invaluable.
He played a key role in the Cardinals’ success during the 1980s, including their National League pennant-winning seasons in 1985 and 1987. Oquendo’s high baseball IQ, combined with his defensive skills and ability to get on base, made him a critical part of the Cardinals’ lineup and a beloved figure in St. Louis.
2: Tony Phillips (1982 – 1999)
Position: Utility Player (Infield/Outfield)
Height/Weight: 5’10”, 175 lbs
Bats/Throws: Switch/Right
Teams: Oakland Athletics, Detroit Tigers, California Angels, Chicago White Sox, New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays
Tony Phillips was one of the most versatile and valuable utility players in baseball history, known for his ability to play multiple positions while providing excellent offense. Phillips was a key member of the Oakland Athletics’ 1989 World Series championship team and had his best years with the Detroit Tigers, where he became a standout leadoff hitter.
Over his 18-year career, Phillips played every position except catcher and first base, consistently providing solid defense and a high on-base percentage. His versatility, combined with his ability to get on base and hit for power, made him one of the most complete utility players the game has ever seen.
1: Ben Zobrist (2006 – 2019)
Position: Utility Player (Infield/Outfield)
Height/Weight: 6’3″, 210 lbs
Bats/Throws: Switch/Right
Teams: Tampa Bay Rays, Oakland Athletics, Kansas City Royals, Chicago Cubs
Ben Zobrist is widely regarded as the best utility player in baseball history, known for his ability to excel at multiple positions while being a consistent offensive force. Zobrist was a key contributor to two World Series championship teams, the Kansas City Royals in 2015 and the Chicago Cubs in 2016, where he was named World Series MVP.
During the 2016 World Series, Zobrist batted .357 with a .419 on-base percentage, collecting 10 hits, 2 RBIs, and scoring 5 runs over the seven-game series. His most memorable moment came in Game 7, when he hit the go-ahead RBI double in the 10th inning, helping the Cubs secure their first World Series title in 108 years.
Throughout his career, Zobrist played every position except for catcher and pitcher, providing excellent defense, a high on-base percentage, and clutch hitting. His unique combination of versatility, leadership, and ability to perform in big moments has cemented his legacy as the greatest utility player of all time.
