What's Happening?
Carter Stewart, originally drafted by the Atlanta Braves in 2018 as the No. 8 overall pick, chose an unconventional path by signing with a Japanese team instead of the MLB. Stewart has been playing for the SoftBank Hawks in Japan's Nippon Professional
Baseball (NPB) league. Now, nearly a decade later, Stewart is considering a return to Major League Baseball. His performance in Japan has been notable, with a fastball reaching 94 mph and an effective curveball. Stewart has also developed a mid-80s splitter, which has become a significant part of his pitching arsenal. Despite his progress, Stewart's journey has been hampered by injuries, and his focus remains on maintaining health and achieving a 120-inning season for the first time in his career.
Why It's Important?
Stewart's potential return to MLB is significant as it highlights the increasing globalization of baseball talent and the potential for players to develop their skills in international leagues before returning to the U.S. His journey could inspire other young players to consider alternative paths to professional baseball, especially if they face challenges in the traditional MLB draft system. For MLB teams, Stewart's return could provide a fresh talent pool and encourage them to scout international leagues more aggressively. Additionally, Stewart's case underscores the importance of player development and adaptability in different baseball environments.
What's Next?
If Stewart decides to return to MLB, he would enter as a free agent, as the Braves do not hold any rights over him due to his decision not to sign with them initially. His performance in the upcoming NPB season will be crucial in determining his readiness and attractiveness to MLB teams. Should he remain healthy and perform well, Stewart could attract interest from multiple MLB franchises looking for a seasoned pitcher with international experience. His decision will also be closely watched by other players and agents considering similar career paths.
