Stewart’s powerful bat could be boon for Tigers
The Detroit Tigers are hoping that outfielder Christin Stewart is ready to make the jump. The 25-year-old Stewart showed glimpses of potential in a brief September call-up with the Tigers last season, but the club is giving him a chance to earn a full-time spot in the outfield during Spring Training.
“This is an exciting year because you’re going to see guys get an opportunity,” Tigers general manager Al Avila said. “Christin Stewart’s going to get an opportunity to see what he can do in left field.”
Stewart wasn’t in the lineup for Detroit’s 5-2 exhibition loss to the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday, but his raw power has been on display early in the spring with two home runs in 18 at bats.
“His power is crazy,” Detroit’s Niko Goodrum said. “I wish you all could see him. He had this dry fit on and he’s just massive. His back is about this wide (stretching out his arms). He’s a strong guy. He has a lot of power.”
Stewart was Detroit’s second pick in the first round of the 2015 Major League Baseball Draft. After taking right-handed pitcher Beau Burrows with its top pick, Detroit got Stewart with the 34th pick overall as compensation for losing right-handed pitcher Max Scherzer to free agency. Power has not been a knock on Stewart. He has 93 minor-league home runs in 460 games and hit two with the Tigers in 17 games last season. Both came in the same game against Kansas City.
“That was an exciting time,” Stewart said. “A surreal moment, kind of looking back on it. Obviously, it gives you a little confidence getting those first home runs out of the way. I was very excited about that.”
But his defence has been a question and Goodrum learned the hard way last season when the two were chasing the same fly ball. “I ran into him out there in the outfield, so I know what that felt like,” Goodrum said. “He’s a strong dude.”
The six-foot, 205-pound Stewart underwent core muscle repair surgery in the off-season and is just looking to build on his time with the Tigers last season. “Since I had surgery this off-season, pretty much I was getting my body back to where it was and a little bit better,” Stewart said. “I feel really good right now, my body feels great and I’m just ready to get after it.”
Detroit does not have to throw Stewart to the wolves this season. The left-handed hitting Stewart could platoon with the right-handed hitting Mikie Mahtook. With the addition of Josh Harrison, the return of a healthy Miguel Cabrera and Nick Castellanos still on the roster, there’s also room to protect Stewart in the lineup and give him veteran guidance. “It’s huge being in the lockerroom with some of the older guys, seeing their routines, what they do well and how they go about their day,” Stewart said. “That’s definitely going to help me and my game. “The opportunity to play baseball again, the opportunity for another year to have a good year and compete and try to win games with my teammates. That’s the big thing. That’s what I’m looking forward to.”