Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Mark DeRosa

How Mark DeRosa built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Mark DeRosa is a former MLB player who played from 1998 to 2013 for several teams, including the Braves, Rangers, Cubs, and Giants. Known for his versatility, he played almost every position except pitcher and catcher. Since retiring, DeRosa has become a studio analyst for MLB Network. In 2023, he managed the United States national team at the World Baseball Classic, where they won a silver medal.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1996: Professional Debut with Eugene Emeralds

In 1996, Mark DeRosa made his professional debut with the Eugene Emeralds of the Class A short season Northwest League.

1996: Drafted by the Atlanta Braves

In 1996, Mark DeRosa was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the seventh round of the MLB draft.

1998: MLB Debut

In 1998, Mark DeRosa began his Major League Baseball (MLB) career, playing for the Atlanta Braves.

1998: MLB Debut with the Atlanta Braves

In 1998, Mark DeRosa made his MLB debut with the Atlanta Braves on September 2. On September 20, he recorded his first MLB hit against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

1999: Starting Shortstop for Richmond Braves

In 1999, Mark DeRosa spent most of the season as the starting shortstop for the Class AAA Richmond Braves of the International League.

May 5, 2000: Called Up to Atlanta Braves

On May 5, 2000, Mark DeRosa was called up to the Atlanta Braves when Walt Weiss was placed on the disabled list.

2001: Transition to Utility Player

In 2001, Mark DeRosa transitioned to a utility player for the Atlanta Braves, increasing his playing time.

2001: Recalled to Atlanta and Filled In at Shortstop

In 2001, Mark DeRosa was recalled to the Atlanta Braves on June 1. On July 21, he hit his first major league home run against the Montreal Expos.

2002: Played Various Positions and Returned to Playoffs

In 2002, Mark DeRosa played as a backup player for the Atlanta Braves, filling various positions. He also participated in the playoffs.

2003: Braves Decided to make DeRosa the starting third baseman

After Vinny Castilla signed with the Colorado Rockies, in 2003, the Braves decided to make DeRosa the starting third baseman for the 2004 season.

2003: Played Multiple Positions for the Braves

In 2003, Mark DeRosa played a number of positions for the Atlanta Braves and had a walkoff single against the New York Mets on July 17.

2004: Lost Starting Job and Tore ACL

In 2004, Mark DeRosa lost his starting job as third baseman for the Braves and tore his right anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) on September 25. He batted .239. Chipper Jones replaced DeRosa as third baseman.

2004: Played for the Atlanta Braves

In 2004, Mark DeRosa was still playing for the Atlanta Braves as a utility player, and they tried using him as their starting third baseman. The Braves declined to offer DeRosa a contract after the season.

2004: Tried as Starting Third Baseman for Braves

In 2004, the Atlanta Braves tried Mark DeRosa as their starting third baseman, but he was benched in June after struggling.

January 19, 2005: Signed with the Texas Rangers

On January 19, 2005, Mark DeRosa signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers due to health concerns, later having his contract purchased.

2005: Played for the Texas Rangers

In 2005, Mark DeRosa played for the Texas Rangers, appearing in 66 games with them.

2005: Signed with the Rangers

In 2005, Mark DeRosa signed with the Texas Rangers after not being offered a contract by the Braves.

2005: Free Agent

In 2005, The Braves declined to offer DeRosa a contract for the 2005 season, making him a free agent.

November 14, 2006: Signed with the Chicago Cubs

On November 14, 2006, Mark DeRosa signed a three-year, $13 million contract with the Chicago Cubs, choosing their offer over the Rangers due to the opportunity for regular starts at second base.

2006: Became an Everyday Player with Rangers

In 2006, Mark DeRosa became an everyday player for the Texas Rangers, batting .296 and setting career highs in several offensive categories.

2006: Everyday Player for the Rangers

In 2006, Mark DeRosa became an everyday player for the Texas Rangers, setting career highs despite being on the disabled list early in the season. DeRosa hit his first career grand slam against John Lackey on August 4. By season's end, DeRosa batted .296.

2006: Played for the Texas Rangers

In 2006, Mark DeRosa continued to play for the Texas Rangers, becoming an everyday player and setting career highs in several offensive categories, batting .296.

2007: Signed with the Cubs

In 2007, Mark DeRosa signed a three-year contract with the Chicago Cubs and played a career-high 149 games.

2008: Played for the Chicago Cubs

In 2008, Mark DeRosa continued to play for the Chicago Cubs, equaling his career-high of 149 games played and hitting over 20 home runs for the first time in his career.

2008: Played for the Cubs and Hit Over 20 Home Runs

In 2008, Mark DeRosa equaled his career high of 149 games played while playing for the Chicago Cubs and hit over 20 home runs (21) for the first time in his career.

December 31, 2008: Traded to Cleveland Indians

On December 31, 2008, Mark DeRosa was traded to the Cleveland Indians for minor league pitchers Jeff Stevens, Chris Archer, and John Gaub.

January 15, 2009: Finest Season

On January 15, 2009, Paul Hoynes of The Plain Dealer called Mark DeRosa's 2008 season his finest.

December 29, 2009: Signed with the Giants

On December 29, 2009, Mark DeRosa signed a two-year, $12 million contract with the Giants.

2009: Traded to the Cleveland Indians and St. Louis Cardinals

In 2009, Mark DeRosa was traded to the Cleveland Indians and later to the St. Louis Cardinals. He also hit a career-high 23 home runs but injured his left wrist during the year.

2009: Traded to the Indians and Cardinals

In 2009, Mark DeRosa was traded to the Cleveland Indians and then to the St. Louis Cardinals midseason. He hit a career-high 23 home runs but injured his left wrist during the year.

2010: Played for the San Francisco Giants

In 2010, Mark DeRosa played for the San Francisco Giants; however, his playing time was limited due to issues with his left wrist following an unsuccessful offseason surgery.

2010: Wrist Issues with the Giants

In 2010, Mark DeRosa's playing time with the San Francisco Giants was severely limited due to unsuccessful offseason surgery on his left wrist.

December 22, 2011: Signed with the Washington Nationals

On December 22, 2011, Mark DeRosa signed a one-year contract with the Washington Nationals.

2011: Continued Limited Playing Time with Giants

In 2011, Mark DeRosa continued to have limited playing time with the San Francisco Giants due to ongoing left wrist issues.

2011: Continued with the San Francisco Giants

In 2011, Mark DeRosa continued to play for the San Francisco Giants, though his playing time was still limited due to his left wrist issues.

April 2012: Played for the Nationals

In April 2012, Mark DeRosa played multiple positions for the Washington Nationals. However, he batted poorly and was eventually placed on the disabled list due to a left oblique strain on April 29.