The Chicago Cubs are one of the most beloved and respected franchises in all major sports. They own the north of the Windy City and their passion has passed from one generation to the next since the dawn of baseball.
The Boys in Blue have often been a contending team but they mightily struggled to finally put an end to their title drought back in 2016. However, they’ve always had their fans by their side in Wrigley Field.
Needless to say, there have been countless legends who have worn the Cubbies jersey but just a handful of them stand out from the pack. Today, we’re going to honor them by naming the top 25 greatest players in Chicago Cubs history. Note: All stats, accolades, and championships come from their tenure with the team. Honorable Mention: Roger Hornsby, Dave Kingman, Hank Sauer, Fergie Jenkins, Gabby Hartnett.
25. Andre Dawson (1987-92)
Stats: .285/.327/.834, 929 H, 174 HR, 587 RBI, 57 SB
Awards: 5 All-Stars, 2 Gold Gloves, 1 Silver Slugger, MVP, Hall of Fame
World Series: 0
Andre Dawson is one of the best outfielders in baseball history. He was a leader on and off the field and his contributions to the Cubs helped them contend throughout his brief tenure with the team, especially during that 1989 season.
Dawson was a fearless slugger and even led the National League with 49 home runs the very first year he played at Wrigley Field. He’s still greeted with plenty of love when he attends their home games, even though he only played with the Cubs for five years.
24. Aramis Ramírez (2003-11)
Stats: .294/.356/.887, 1,246 H, 239 HR, 806 RBI, 8 SB
Awards: 2 All-Stars, Silver Slugger
World Series: 0
Some fans weren’t fond of Aramis Ramírez’s character but his offensive impact was just undeniable. He was one of the deadliest hitters of his time and some claim he’s one of the 3 best third basemen in Cubs history.
His defense was below the average for his position during his first couple of seasons with the Cubs but he was a terrifying slugger, for sure. In fact, he highlighted the free agency class of 2006. He had 3 straight 30+ HR seasons.
23. Phil Cavarretta (1934-53)
Stats: .292/.371/.787, 1,927 H, 92 HR, 896 RBI, 61 SB
Awards: 4 All-Stars, NL Batting Champion, MVP
World Series: 0
Phil Cavarretta is one of the biggest fan favorites of all time for Cubs nation and for good reason, as he spent two decades with the franchise (second-most behind Cap Anson) and was one of the leaders of three different squads that made it to the World Series.
As you may know by now, he couldn’t lead the team to a ring on either of those three opportunities but that’s definitely not on him. He wasn’t much of a power hitter but he was pretty consistent and a great defender on the outfield. He was also a player-manager from 1951-53.
22. Rick Sutcliffe (1984-91)
Stats: 82 W, 65 L, 3.74 ERA, 1.315 WHIP, 1,267.1 IP, 900 SO, 481 BB
Awards: 2 All-Stars, CY Young
World Series: 0
Rick Sutcliffe was already a dominant force in the league when he made his way to the Cubs in 1984. He finished the season strong to win the CY Young award on his very first season at Wrigley Field.
The Red Baron became the highest-paid pitcher in the league during his time with the Cubs and for good reason, winning double-digit games in 6 of his 8 seasons with the team, including an 18-win season in 1987.
21. Derrek Lee (2004-10)
Stats: .298/.3787.903, 1,046 H, 179 HR, 574 RBI, 51 SB
Awards: 2 All-Stars, 2 Gold Gloves, Silver Slugger, NL Batting Champion
World Series: 0
Derrek Lee had already won a title with the Florida Marlins and the Cubs traded for him to bring a much-needed offensive boost to their team. Next to Aramis Ramírez, he created one of the strongest one-two punches in the league at the time.
Lee was a master at making contact. He was just too savvy, too strong, too determined. He even led MLB in hits, doubles, average, slugging percentage, OPS, OPS+, and total bases during the 2005 season.
20. Kerry Wood (1998-2008, 2011-12)
Stats: 80 W, 68 L, 35 SV 3.67 ERA, 1.258 WHIP, 1,279.0 IP, 1,470 SO, 609 BB
Awards: 2 All-Stars, Rookie of the Year
World Series: 0
Kerry Wood was a strikeout machine earlier on his career. He broke out as a national sensation after striking out 20 Astros during his rookie season. However, he always had to battle injuries for most of his career.
Even so, Wood’s relentless work ethic made him one of the most reliable relievers in Cubs history. He even came back for his final season to retire at Wrigley Field. He led the league in strikeouts once and strikeouts per 9 innings.
19. Carlos Zambrano (2001-11)
Stats: 125 W, 81 L, 3.60 ERA, 1.319 WHIP, 1,826.2 IP, 1,542 SO, 823 BB
Awards: 3 All-Stars, 3 Silver Sluggers
World Series: 0
Not many pitchers can brag about having 3 Silver Sluggers awards under their belts but then again, Carlos ‘Big Z’ Zambrano wasn’t as many pitchers. Notably, he’s considered one of the greatest hitting pitchers of all time with career averages of .238, 24 home runs, and 71 RBIs.
But besides his timely hitting, Zambrano was also as reliable as they come in the mound. He was the only National League pitcher to win at least 13 games over 5 years (2013-18), thanks to that deadly sinker of his. He's second all-time in strikeouts in franchise history.
18. Bruce Sutter (1976-80)
Stats: 32 W, 30 L, 133 SV, 2.39 ERA, 1.055 WHIP, 494 SO, 131 BB
Awards: 4 All-Stars, CY Young, 1 NL Rolaids Relief Man Award, 1 NL Saves Leader
World Series: 0
If Bruce Sutter was warming up you knew you just had to get the job done before he got to the mound. Once he came in, it was game over. Period. He was one of the most dominant closers this game has ever seen.
Sutter’s tenure with the Cubs only lasted for 5 seasons but that was more than enough to enter this list. He posted a 1.34 ERA in 1977, then got 27 saves next season, and then won the CY Young. He also struck out 100+ batters in three of his five years with the team.
17. Don Kessinger (1964-75)
Stats: .255/.315/.629, 1,619 H, 11 HR, 431 RBI, 92 SB
Awards: 6 All-Stars, 2 Gold Gloves
World Series: 0
Don Kessinger wasn’t exactly a power-hitter. Honestly, he wasn’t much of an offensive force at all. However, he was one of the finest defenders in all baseball and that’s what made him so popular among the fans and the league.
The Cubs had a top-tier defense with Kessinger and Ron Santo back in the day. In fact, he led all shortstops in range factor and the entire league in assists in 1966. He also had over 500 assists in 6 straight seasons.
16. Lee Smith (1980-88)
Stats: 40 W, 51 L, 180 SV, 2.92 ERA, 1.255 WHIP, 681.1 IP, 644 SO, 264 BB
Awards: 2 All-Stars, Hall of Fame
World Series: 0
Perhaps Lee Smith’s best years in the league came shortly after leaving the Cubs but he was still one of the best relievers in the game during his tenure at the Windy City. He was a huge fan favorite.
Lee’s intensity was just contagious. He had people on their feet every night out there and his character really intimidated opposing batters. Oh, and he had arguably the coolest afro in MLB history.
15. Billy Herman (1931-41)
Stats: .309/.366/.782, 1,710 H, 37 HR, 577 RBI, 53 SB
Awards: 8 All-Stars, Hall of Fame
World Series: 0
For some reason, Billy Herman is often overlooked when talking about the all-time greats in Cubs history. However, he was a perennial part of their lineup for a decade and one of the most productive hitters of his time.
Herman wasn’t known for his power but he could make contact even vs. the toughest breaking balls. Also, he was a great base-runner who could make an extra-base out of nothing, even leading the league in doubles and triples once on his career.
14. Mark Grace (1988-00)
Stats: .308/.386/.832, 2,201 H, 148 HR, 1,004 RBI, 67 SB
Awards: 3 All-Stars, 4 Gold Gloves
World Series: 0
Mark Grace didn’t strike you as your average slugger from the 1990s. He wasn’t exactly a power-hitter and went often overlooked but he was one of the most consistent hitters of the decade.
You could always count on Grace to deliver in tough situations. Notably, he even led Major League Baseball in total hits throughout the decade with more than 1,700. We should talk more about that.
13. Anthony Rizzo (2012-Present)
Stats: .277/.376/.872, 1,186 H, 217 HR, 720 RBI, 55 SB
Awards: 3 All-Stars, 3 Gold Gloves, Platinum Glove, Silver Sluggers
World Series: 1
Anthony Rizzo is the most recent addition to this list. He’s been with the Cubs for 8 seasons and he became a team leader pretty much right out of the gate not only because of his philanthropic ventures but because of his impact in every aspect of the game.
Rizzo is a feared batter that can be a huge game-changer any night out there. His defense is also superb. Also, he played a huge part in the team that finally put an end to the infamous Curse of Billy the Goat.
12. Randy Hundley (1966-73, 1976-77)
Stats: .240/.296/.654, 758 H, 80 HR, 364 RBI, 12 SB
Awards: All-Star, Gold Glove
World Series: 0
Ryan Hundley was the ultimate old-school kind of catcher. He wasn’t known for his ability to hit the ball but he definitely made his presence felt on the defensive side of the game, as he was among the league’s best in that regard.
Hundley was a master at handling every pitcher and pitch. He was an outspoken leader that made his way to the heart of the fans for his commitment to the franchise. He’s often seen at Wrigley Field up to this day.
11. Hack Wilson (1926-31)
Stats: .322/.412/.10002, 1,017 H, 190 HR, 769 RBI, 34 SB
Awards: Hall of Fame
World Series: 0
Hack Wilson was the ultimate base-runner. He still holds the franchise record for OPS, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage despite playing just 6 full seasons with the Cubbies. He still has the records for most RBIs in a season with 191.
Wilson was just an entertainer. There wasn’t a pitcher on earth that could tame him and he was even named the unofficial Most Valuable Player in 1930 after batting a then-record 56 home runs. He was a perennial MVP candidate out of the Cubs outfield.
10. Stan Hack (1932-47)
Stats: .301/.394/.791, 2,193 H, 57 HR, 642 RBI, 165 SB
Awards: 5 All-Stars
World Series: 0
Most young fans don’t know about Stan Hack, the guy who batted left-handed and threw right-handed. But back in the day, he was a huge offensive menace and an expert of swinging pitches to the opposing side.
Hack’s late swing and speed made him one of the most productive players in Cubs history and one of the best leadoff hitters of all time. He led the National League in hits and stolen bases twice each and some consider him the greatest third baseman of the 30s.
9. Mordecai Brown (1904-12, 1916)
Stats: 188 W, 86 L, 48 SV, 1.80 ERA, 0.998 WHIP, 2,329.0 IP, 1,043 SO, 445 BB
Awards: ERA Title, Hall of Fame
World Series: 2
Mordecai Brown was forced to switch from the third baseman to pitcher almost by accident. Then, he became one of the most dominant pitchers to ever live thanks to his unorthodox three-finger grip. His pitches had an unprecedented spin.
Brown won over 20 games on 6 different occasions and played a huge role in the Cubs’ first two World Series titles. Also, he started 50 games twice and had seasons of 32 and 27 complete games while leading the league in WHIP 3 times. Some consider him the best pitcher in franchise history.
8. Frank Chance (1898-1912)
Stats: .297/.394/.789, 1,269 H, 20 HR, 590 RBI, 402 SB
Awards: Hall of Fame
World Series: 2
Frank Chance was one of the first all-time greats in franchise history. He joined the Cubbies when they were still called The Orphans. Up to this day, he’s still the franchise’s all-time leader in stolen bases.
Chance led the NL in stolen bases twice and once in runs scored. He played both as a catcher and outfielder and was one of the most productive players in the league during his prime. He could literally do it all, as he proved by serving as player-manager during the final 7 years of his career as a Cub.
7. Sammy Sosa (1992-04)
Stats: .284/.358/.928, 1,985 H, 545 HR, 1,414 RBI, 181 SB
Awards: 7 All-Stars, 6 Silver Sluggers, ML Player of the Year, NL MVP
World Series: 0
Sammy Sosa has always been a subject of controversies. He’s always been involved in PED-related scandals and judging by his looks, the way he played, and the fact that he thrived on an era along with players like José Canseco, Barry Bonds, and Mark McGwire have always put an asterisk next to his numbers. Still, they haven’t been able to prove that he used steroids during his career.
There’s no denying that Sammy Sosa is one of the greatest power hitters of all time and, until further notice, a Cubs legend. He has 4 of the top 5 seasons with most home runs in franchise history, including 3 60+ seasons. He also holds their record for most home runs (545).
6. Greg Maddux (1986-92, 2004-06)
Stats: 133 W, 112 L, 3.61 ERA, 1.245 WHIP, 2,016.0 IP, 1,305 SO, 547 BB
Awards: 2 All-Stars, 6 Gold Gloves, CY Young, MLB Wins Leader, Hall of Fame
World Series: 0
Not many players can brag about being a legend for two different teams. That’s why Greg Maddux is one of the greatest of all time. His durability helped him excel with both the Cubs and the Braves and be a fan favorite not only among those team’s supporters but all across the sports industry.
Maddux could fool even the most dangerous hitters in the league with ease and didn’t even need to top 89 mph. He rather focused on always staying in control and was the master of the outside corner with his breaking balls.
5. Cap Anson (1876-1897)
Stats: .331/.396/.844, 3,012 H, 97 HR, 1,880 RBI, 247 SB
Awards: 2 NL Batting Champion, Hall of Fame
World Series: 0
Cap Anson’s career was somewhat average until he was named captain-manager in 1879. He led the Chicago White Stockings (later Colts, later Cubs) to 5 straight NL pennants and became one of the marquee men in all baseball until the very end of his 22-year tenure with the franchise.
Anson was a legend, a God among men. Up to this day, he still holds the record for most hits, singles, doubles, RBIs, and runs in franchise history. He led the NL in RBIs 8 times and was the first player to ever reach the 3,000 hit mark.
4. Billy Williams (1959-74)
Stats: .296/.364/.867, 2,510 H, 392 HR, 1,353 RBI, 86 SB
Awards: 6 All-Stars, ML Player of the Year, Batting Champion, Rookie of the Year, Hall of Fame
World Series: 0
Billy Williams is considered by some as the greatest outfielder to ever wear the Chicago Cubs uniform and he clearly has the numbers to back up that claim. He was nothing short of spectacular during his time with the team.
Williams was hitting home runs all over the country and then making the highlight films with some incredibly athletic and impressive catches. He was a master at stealing home runs and is still second in extra-base hits (881) in franchise history.
3. Ron Santo (1960-73)
Stats: .279/.366/.838, 2,171 H, 66 HR, 1,290 RBI, 35 SB
Awards: 9 All-Stars, 5 Gold Gloves, Hall of Fame
World Series: 0
Ron Santo is the most beloved and respected member of the Chicago Cubs franchise and by a - very - long stretch. He’s one of the top-tier third baseman of all time and an outstanding leader, even though he was often overlooked and underappreciated by the rest of the league.
Santo’s passion and grit were contagious to the rest of the team. He was one of the best defenders in the league while also being a perennial threat in the plate. He led the NL in walks 5 times throughout his career. Sadly, he had to wait until his passing to finally be inducted into the Hall of Fame, which is a disrespect nobody can fathom to this day.
2. Ryne Sandberg (1982–1994, 1996–1997)
Stats: .285/.344/.796, 2,385 H, 282 HR, 1,061 RBI, 344 SB
Awards: 10 All-Stars, 9 Gold Gloves, 7 Silver Sluggers, NL MVP, Hall of Fame
World Series: 0
Ryne Sandberg is the greatest second baseman in Cubs history and by a long stretch. He’s one of the best in that position of all time, period. His athleticism, grittiness, and passion for making outstanding defensive plays were only topped by his offensive impact.
Sandberg is 4th all-time in stolen bases in Cubs history. He was the building block of the team throughout his entire career and even led the league in home runs in 1990. Sadly, he was never able to lead the team to a World Series pennant but that’s the only stain on his otherwise perfect resume.
1. Ernie Banks (1953-71)
Stats: .274/.330/.830, 2,583 H, 512 HR, 1,636 RBI, 50 SB
Awards: 14 All-Stars, Gold Glove, 2 NL MVP, Hall of Famer
World Series: 0
There’s a reason why Ernie Banks is called ‘Mr. Cub’. He’s perhaps the most iconic player in franchise history and one of the most influential athletes of all time, even becoming the first black player to ever wear the Cubs’ uniform. He’s second all-time in hits in franchise history.
His passion, grit, and heart made him a fan favorite, an outstanding defender (both as first baseman or shortstop), and a perennial presence in the All-Star Game. He was a true leader, on and off the field and he still makes his presence known in the club on every major event they’re involved in.
