The MLB draft has been the top option — really the only option — for the top amateur baseball prospects looking for a big payday. But Carter Stewart, whom the Braves picked eighth in last year’s draft but failed to sign, is forging a new path: He agreed to a deal with a Japanese team and won’t enter next month’s MLB draft. Meanwhile, in the big leagues, Brewers star Christian Yelich is out of the lineup with back spasms again and another pitcher has reached 2,500 strikeouts. Oh, and the Orioles just allowed another home run. Just now.
Carter Stewart has made an interesting decision. It’s probably not for everyone, but if he acclimates well to Japanese culture and baseball, it could be quite lucrative in the end.
1. Carter Stewart’s next 6 years an approximation.
Japan: 6 year, $7 million.
Stays in US. Optimistically let’s say he’s an early 2nd round pick. $2 million bonus.
2019: $2 million+$3,500 in salary.
2020: Let’s say LoA. $6,500 in salary.
2021: HiA/AA. $8,100 in salary. (Cont.)— JJ Cooper (@jjcoop36) May 22, 2019
Christian Yelich will sit out Wednesday’s game with back spasms. It’s the second straight game he’s out and the second time this year the issue has bothered him. Something to keep an eye on.
#Brewers outfielder @ChristianYelich will miss a second straight game due to back issues, but manager Craig Counsell isn’t concerned. #ThisIsMyCrewhttps://t.co/SGQ135453Z
— FOX Sports Wisconsin (@fswisconsin) May 22, 2019
It’s the year of pitching milestones. C.C. Sabathia K’d number 3,000, Felix Hernandez got to 2,500 and now Zack Greinke joins him at that mark. Greinke seems to have more left in the tank than either of the other two, though.
Zack Greinke is just the 5th active pitcher to join the 2,500 K club. pic.twitter.com/9alZY2gsfC
— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) May 22, 2019
It doesn’t help that the Orioles play the Yankees and Red Sox all the time, but Baltimore set an ignominious record last night by allowing its 100th home run faster than any club in MLB history.
By allowing their 100th home run of the season in their 48th game, the Orioles beat the 2000 Kansas City Royals to the century mark by nine contests.https://t.co/X9fEvItCd8
— The Baltimore Sun (@baltimoresun) May 22, 2019
Remember Koji Uehara? You probably do if you watched the Red Sox win the 2013 World Series. He was a hero for Boston that year and called it a career Tuesday, retiring from his Japanese team.
Watched Koji Uehara’s retirement presser and man… he teared up from the very get-go. Sad to see but what a great career he had. pic.twitter.com/8skw58907m
— Sung Min Kim (@sung_minkim) May 21, 2019
TOP STORIES
• Sources: Pitcher skips MLB draft for Japan deal | ESPN.com
• Brewers’ Yelich out of lineup again with back spasms | Associated Press
• Orioles become fastest team in history to allow 100 home runs in 11-4 loss to Yankees | Baltimore Sun
