Detroit Tigers’ prospect Christin Stewart is a left-handed hitting power hitter, who has had a couple of big seasons in a row in the minor leagues. He is having what could be his best season yet in Triple-A Toledo.
Due to the large number of injuries that the Detroit Tigers have had to endure, a couple of opportunities have been opened up for other players. While the Tigers are currently using veteran journeyman Pete Kozma and other bench players to fill many of the current holes, prospects such as infielder Dawel Lugo and outfielder Mike Gerber have earned brief big league call-ups.
Another player who seems to be on the fast track to the majors is Christin Stewart. After being drafted in the first round by the Tigers back in 2015, Stewart has gone on to put on an impressive display of power over the past couple of seasons.
In 2016, Stewart hit a combined .255/.386/.517 with 30 home runs and 87 RBI for Class A Advanced Lakeland and Double A Erie. Last year, he hit .256/.335/.501 with 28 homers and 86 RBI in Erie. He was named the Tigers’ minor league player of the year in both seasons.
This season, Stewart appears to be well on his way to having what could very well be his best season yet. Through 40 games, he is hitting .299/.375/.605 with 11 home runs and 29 RBI.
Due to the Detroit Tigers’ need for reinforcements, some have wondered if they might soon promote Stewart to the big leagues. However, David Briggs of the Toledo Blade recently opined that Detroit has wisely held back on the itch to do so for now. Briggs notes the major improvements to Stewart’s game this season as a reason for not “rush[ing] his development.”
What About 2019?
At this point, it certainly does appear to be possible that a starting spot could open up for Stewart in 2019. Stewart has played almost exclusively left field throughout his minor league career, and if the Tigers decide to move JaCoby Jones back to center, it could clear up left field for Stewart.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
However, the Tigers still have center fielder Leonys Martin as well, who will remain controllable through arbitration this offseason. Of course, other players such as Mikie Mahtook and Gerber will likely be in the mix and competing for spots as well.
That said, designated hitter Victor Martinez is in the final season of a four-year, $68 million deal. While the potential departure of Martinez would seem to open the door for Miguel Cabrera receiving more time as DH, perhaps the Tigers might also want to consider using Stewart in that spot as well. While Stewart would obviously be a bit young to be a DH, there have been questions about his defense.
Other scenarios, such as whether or not right fielder Nicholas Castellanos factors into the Tigers’ long term plans, could potentially create more opportunity for Stewart as well. Castellanos remains under team control through only next season. If the Tigers are unable to lock him up, it may make sense to try to move him.
Next: The way-too-early AL MLB All-Star Team starting lineup
While Christin Stewart has not been given the call for the Detroit Tigers just yet, it appears that his time may not be too far away. Once he arrives, he could give the Tigers a formidable left-handed bat for years to come.