Top 10 Montreal Expos of All Time

The Montreal Expos were one of baseball’s great “what if” franchises—a team loaded with Hall of Fame talent, elite development, and just enough heartbreak to define an era. From the near-miss of 1981 to the tragedy of the 1994 strike, this organization consistently produced greatness that never quite got its full moment on the biggest stage.

But make no mistake—this franchise had legends. Real ones.

10) Dennis Martinez

Dennis “El Presidente” Martinez was the definition of reliability and quiet dominance during his time in Montreal. While he may not always get the same recognition as flashier names, Martinez was the kind of pitcher every contender needs—a workhorse who delivered innings, stability, and elite-level performance when it mattered.

Martinez became a cornerstone of the Expos pitching staff, earning three All-Star selections while wearing a Montreal uniform. His defining moment came in 1991 when he led Major League Baseball in ERA and delivered one of the rarest feats in sports—a perfect game. That wasn’t just a great outing; it was a historic stamp on his career and the franchise itself.

Beyond the accolades, Martinez’s value came from consistency. He was the guy managers trusted to stop losing streaks and anchor rotations. In an era filled with power arms, Martinez thrived on precision, control, and baseball intelligence. His longevity and effectiveness made him one of the most respected pitchers of his time and one of the most important arms in Expos history.

MON@LAD: Dennis Martinez completes a perfect game

9) Tim Wallach

Tim Wallach was the ultimate example of a player who did everything well but never quite got the national spotlight he deserved. For over a decade, Wallach was the backbone of the Expos lineup and defense, providing elite production on both sides of the ball.

A five-time All-Star, Wallach combined power, consistency, and defensive excellence. His three Gold Gloves weren’t just awards—they were validation of his ability to dominate at third base. Add in two Silver Sluggers, and you’re looking at a complete player who could impact games in multiple ways.

Wallach’s offensive numbers were consistently strong, but what truly separated him was his ability to deliver in key moments. He wasn’t just putting up stats—he was producing when the Expos needed it most. In many ways, he embodied the identity of the franchise: fundamentally sound, tough, and often overlooked.

If Wallach had played in a bigger market, his legacy might look very different. But in Montreal, he was a cornerstone—one of the most dependable and respected players the franchise ever had.

Tim Wallach sets Montreal record with 114th RBI

8) Pedro Martinez

Pedro Martinez’s time in Montreal was brief—but it was explosive, historic, and unforgettable. Before he became a Boston legend, Pedro became a superstar with the Expos, and his 1997 season remains one of the most dominant pitching performances in modern baseball history.

That year, Martinez went 17-8 with a microscopic 1.90 ERA, throwing four shutouts and an incredible 13 complete games. His WHIP of 0.932 and strikeout rate—over 11 per nine innings—highlight just how untouchable he was. Hitters didn’t just struggle against Pedro—they were overwhelmed.

Winning his first Cy Young Award with Montreal, Pedro didn’t just elevate himself—he elevated the entire franchise’s credibility on a national stage. His dominance wasn’t built on size or overpowering velocity alone, but on precision, movement, and an unmatched competitive edge.

Though his tenure with the Expos was short, the impact was enormous. Pedro Martinez didn’t just pitch in Montreal—he left behind a legacy of greatness that still stands as one of the highest peaks any pitcher has ever reached.

Pedro Martinez goes distance against Yanks, fans 10

7) Larry Walker

Before becoming a Hall of Famer in Colorado, Larry Walker developed into a complete superstar in Montreal. With the Expos, Walker showcased a rare blend of power, athleticism, and defensive brilliance that made him one of the most well-rounded players in baseball.

His 1992 season was a breakout performance, hitting .301 with a .506 slugging percentage while playing elite defense in the outfield. Walker’s 16 assists that year highlighted his cannon arm, making him one of the most feared defensive outfielders in the game.

Winning both a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger, Walker proved he could dominate on both sides of the ball. He also finished fifth in MVP voting, signaling his arrival among baseball’s elite players.

Walker’s impact went beyond numbers—he brought energy, toughness, and versatility to a franchise loaded with talent. He could hit for power, run, field, and change a game with one swing or one throw.

Montreal was where Larry Walker became a star—and without his development there, his Hall of Fame career might never have taken shape the way it did.

1992 09/25 Chicago Cubs 3 at Montreal Expos 4 Walker walkoff HR in 10th!

6) Rusty Staub

Rusty Staub wasn’t just a great player—he was the first true face of the Montreal Expos. When the franchise was born, Staub gave it credibility, production, and an identity that fans could rally around.

From the moment he arrived, Staub delivered elite offensive numbers. His ability to hit for average, get on base, and produce power made him one of the most complete hitters in the National League. Whether it was his .302 batting average, his .426 OBP, or his consistent 20+ home run production, Staub was a force in the lineup.

What truly stood out, though, was his plate discipline. Staub regularly drew over 100 walks while keeping his strikeouts low—an advanced approach that made him incredibly difficult to pitch to.

Defensively, he was just as reliable, logging heavy innings in right field and contributing with solid fielding metrics. His consistent All-Star selections further cemented his place as one of the league’s elite players during his prime.

Staub didn’t just play for the Expos—he helped build the franchise from the ground up, making him one of the most important figures in its history.

Remembering Montreal Expos legend Rusty Staub

5) Steve Rogers

Steve Rogers was the heart and soul of the Expos pitching staff for over a decade. While others may have had higher peaks, no pitcher in franchise history meant more to Montreal than Rogers.

A five-time All-Star and ERA champion, Rogers dominated through durability, intelligence, and consistency. He holds multiple franchise records, including wins, innings pitched, and strikeouts—proof of both his longevity and excellence.

Rogers wasn’t overpowering in the traditional sense, but he was surgical. He knew how to attack hitters, change speeds, and control the game. In many ways, he was the perfect leader for a rotation that carried Montreal through its most competitive years.

His performance during the early 1980s, particularly during the Expos’ 1981 playoff run, solidified his place in franchise lore. He was the pitcher Montreal turned to in the biggest moments, and more often than not, he delivered.

Simply put, Steve Rogers wasn’t just a great pitcher—he was the standard for what an Expos ace looked like.

Montreal Expo Steve Rogers

4) Tim Raines

Tim “Rock” Raines was one of the most electrifying players in baseball history—and arguably the greatest leadoff hitter of his generation. With the Expos, he redefined what it meant to control a game from the top of the lineup.

Raines wasn’t just fast—he was smart, efficient, and relentless on the basepaths. Leading the league in stolen bases four times and posting six consecutive seasons of 70+ steals, he constantly put pressure on opposing defenses.

But what truly made Raines special was his ability to get on base. A career .300 hitter with more walks than strikeouts, he combined speed with elite plate discipline. That’s a rare combination—and one that made him nearly impossible to contain.

Raines could change a game without ever hitting a home run. He set the tone, disrupted pitchers, and created scoring opportunities out of nothing.

In an era filled with power hitters, Tim Raines proved that speed, intelligence, and discipline could be just as dominant.

PIT@MON: Raines hits for the cycle for the Expos

3) Gary Carter

Gary Carter wasn’t just one of the greatest Expos players—he was one of the greatest catchers in baseball history. Known as “The Kid,” Carter brought leadership, production, and elite defense to the most demanding position on the field.

Over 12 seasons in Montreal, Carter became the face of the franchise. He hit 220 home runs with the Expos and consistently delivered clutch performances at the plate. His ability to combine power with contact made him one of the most dangerous offensive catchers of his era.

Defensively, Carter was just as dominant. With a .991 fielding percentage and elite game-calling ability, he controlled pitching staffs and dictated the flow of games. Pitchers trusted him, and opponents feared him.

Carter wasn’t just a great player—he was a leader. His energy, passion, and presence elevated everyone around him.

When you talk about the identity of the Montreal Expos, Gary Carter is right at the center of it.

1981 NLDS Gm2: Carter’s homer gives Expos 3-0 lead

2) Vladimir Guerrero

Vladimir Guerrero was pure chaos—in the best possible way. Few players in baseball history could do what Guerrero did at the plate, and his time in Montreal was a masterclass in controlled aggression.

Guerrero didn’t just hit pitches in the strike zone—he hit everything. Balls in the dirt, pitches over his head—it didn’t matter. If he could reach it, he could drive it. And more often than not, he did.

During his eight seasons with the Expos, Guerrero hit .323 with 224 home runs and added a dynamic element on the bases. He wasn’t just a slugger—he was a complete offensive weapon.

Defensively, his arm was legendary. Runners learned quickly not to test him, as his throws from right field could change games instantly.

Guerrero’s style was unconventional, but his results were undeniable. He was one of the most feared hitters in baseball—and one of the most exciting players the game has ever seen.

CIN@MON: Guerrero hits walk-off home run against the Reds

1) Andre Dawson

Andre “The Hawk” Dawson stands at the top of the mountain as the greatest player in Montreal Expos history. He was the complete package—power, speed, defense, and toughness—all rolled into one.

During his 11 seasons in Montreal, Dawson averaged 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases per year, showcasing his rare combination of strength and athleticism. He was a constant threat at the plate and on the basepaths.

Defensively, Dawson was elite. His arm was one of the best in baseball, and his ability to track down balls in the outfield made him a difference-maker every night.

Winning Rookie of the Year in 1977 and finishing as an MVP runner-up twice, Dawson consistently performed at an elite level. He played through injuries, through pain, and through adversity—earning the respect of teammates and opponents alike.

Andre Dawson didn’t just define excellence in Montreal—he embodied it.

(This Week In Baseball) Andre Dawson Montreal Expos Feature (July-1985)