Pirates add more depth to Corner Outfield
With corner outfield still needed, the Pittsburgh Pirates added depth last week, signing another left-handed power stroke to coincide with Jack Suwinski and Joshua Palacios as Spring Training is on the horizon. 31-year-old veteran right fielder D.J. Stewart signed a Minor League contract on Saturday.
Stewart was drafted in the first round of the 2015 draft out of Florida State by the Baltimore Orioles and spent parts of five seasons with the club from 2018-2022. After showing some promise in AAA Norfolk in 2019, he got his longest run in the big leagues of 100 games in 2021 but just hit .204 while hitting 12 home runs and driving in 33 runs.
Despite a lifetime .212 average, Stewart’s ability to slug has kept him around. After signing a Minor League deal with the Mets going into the 2023 season, he had his best overall season in the Majors, hitting 11 home runs and holding a .839 OPS in 160 ABs. However, in a similar sample size last season, Stewart only hit five home runs with an abysmal .177 batting average in 158 ABs.
Stewart will strike out a ton, but his above-average ability to draw walks and bring some pop could provide a spark for the Bucs in 2025. At this point in his career, it’s hard to see him getting a ton of playing time at the MLB level, but he could be a dangerous option as a pinch hitter for Derek Shelton.
While it’s unlikely Stewart will make the Opening Day roster, if he continues to rake at the AAA level as he has in stints over the last two seasons, it would be expected that he would get a call-up, especially if the Pirates offense is shaken up if there aren’t signs of significant improvement at the beginning of the season.