Stewart made his MLB debut with the Dodgers in 2016 and spent parts of four seasons with the club, posting a 5.46 ERA over 36 appearances (11 starts) between 2016 and 2019. Following stints with the Toronto Blue Jays and the Twins, as well as rehab assignments and time spent recovering from Tommy John surgery, Stewart’s journey has been marked by both setbacks and impressive comebacks.
The 2024 season has been a career renaissance for Stewart. With the Twins, he recorded a stellar 2.38 ERA over 39 appearances, striking out 41 batters and walking only 11 across 34 innings. His fastball velocity has climbed significantly, now averaging 96.1 mph (up from 91.5 mph in 2019), and his arsenal has proven particularly tough on right-handed hitters, holding them to a .327 OPS. Stewart ranked in the 93rd percentile for average fastball velocity (97.2 mph) and in the 99th percentile for fastball spin rate (2,604 rpm), showcasing the quality of his stuff.
In 2023, Stewart held opponents scoreless in 26 of 27 appearances, finishing with a remarkable 0.65 ERA (27.2 IP, 2 ER)—the lowest in Minnesota Twins history for a pitcher with at least 25 appearances in a season. He also posted a 12.69 strikeouts-per-9.0 innings ratio, the fourth-best single-season mark in club history, and limited left-handed hitters to a .184 batting average.
Despite injury setbacks, including shoulder and elbow issues that led to IL stints and surgery, Stewart’s effectiveness when healthy made him a valuable trade target. The Dodgers, facing bullpen injuries and seeking a right-handed reliever with swing-and-miss capability, reacquired Stewart, who comes with two additional seasons of club control. He is expected to bridge the gap to the ninth inning, joining a relief corps that includes names like Blake Treinen and Brusdar Graterol, though injuries have been a persistent issue for L.A.’s bullpen.
For those interested in advanced stats and betting analysis, Stewart’s improved velocity, strikeout rates, and ability to suppress home runs (just one allowed in 2023) make him a strong asset for high-leverage innings. His history of bouncing between roles—starter, reliever, and set-up man—adds flexibility to any bullpen, and his current form suggests he could be an under-the-radar difference-maker in late-season and postseason scenarios.
For further details and up-to-date stats, check out Stewart’s player page at Baseball Reference and follow team updates on the Dodgers’ official site.