Cap Anson headlines Chicago Cubs all-time roster by WAR

Cap Anson headlines Chicago Cubs all-time roster by Wins Above Replacement

One hundred forty years before Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo, Adrian “Cap” Anson was wowing Windy City baseball fans. When the Chicago Cubs franchise was founded in 1876, it was known as the White Stockings, and the club’s first star was player/captain/manager Anson who led the team to five pennants between 1880 and 1886.

Born in Marshalltown, Iowa, Anson made his major league debut at age 19 with the Rockford Forest Citys. After starring for the Philadelphia Athletics the next four seasons, the skilled batter returned to the midwest to play for newly-founded Chicago team.

CHICAGO CUBS ALL-TIME ROSTER

Anson amassed 93.9 wins above replacement (WAR) over the course of his career, the vast bulk of which (84.4) came with Chicago. The other biggest contributors to the Cub’s all-time roster by WAR come from third baseman Ron Santo (72.0) and second baseman Ryne Sandberg (67.7).

UPDATED August 20, 2024