The Red Sox continue to prioritize organizational depth over big-name free agent signings. There latest acquisition does, however, offer some intriguing qualities.
According to a major league source, the Red Sox have agreed to terms with former Tigers first-round pick Christin Stewart on a minor-league deal with an invitation to big-league spring training.
The 27-year-old outfielder has spent parts of three major league seasons with the Tigers between 2018-20, totaling 157 big-league games. The lefty-hitting outfielder appeared in 104 games with Detroit in 2019, hitting .233 with a .693 OPS and 10 home runs.
The former University of Tennessee star was drafted with the 34th overall pick in the 2015 Major League Baseball Draft, two spots in front of Baltimore's Ryan Mountcastle. The pick was compensation Detroit received when Max Scherzer signed with the Nationals.
Stewart's best professional season came in 2016 when he managed 30 home runs while reaching Double-A in just his second pro year.
Since then, the power-hitting corner outfielder has struggled with strikeouts, In his 89 games with Triple-A Toledo in 2021 he whiffed 100 times in 343 plate appearance. He did, however, manage 21 homers while finishing with an .877 OPS.
Stewart shares the Georgia High School state record for most home runs, having equaled current big-leaguer Micah Owings with 69. His 26 homers as a junior is a state mark for most in a season.