Carter Stewart is a name that has garnered attention in the world of baseball, not only for his remarkable talent as a pitcher but also for his bold decision to pursue a professional career in Japan instead of following the traditional route of entering Major League Baseball (MLB) through the MLB Draft. As a young pitcher with an exceptional arm, Stewart’s story offers a unique perspective on the evolving dynamics of professional baseball. This article takes a closer look at Carter Stewart’s background, his rise to prominence, and his decision to play abroad, ultimately reshaping his future in the sport.

Early Life and High School Career

Carter Stewart was born on December 21, 1999, in the United States, and from a young age, it was clear that he had a natural talent for sports, particularly baseball. Growing up in the state of Florida, Stewart played youth baseball and quickly caught the attention of scouts for his strong arm and fastball. As he entered high school, Stewart’s pitching abilities became more refined, and he developed a reputation for being a dominant force on the mound.

While playing for Eau Gallie High School in Melbourne, Florida, Stewart’s performances made headlines. He was considered one of the top prospects in the 2018 MLB Draft, drawing comparisons to some of the best pitching talents in the country. His fastball reached speeds of over 97 mph, and his curveball became known for its devastating break, making him a challenge for hitters at any level. With a combination of size, velocity, and control, Stewart was viewed as a future MLB star in the making.

The 2018 MLB Draft and Decision to Reject

Carter Stewart’s outstanding performances in high school culminated in him being selected by the Atlanta Braves as the 8th overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft. This would have been a dream come true for most young baseball players—an immediate path to one of the most prestigious and lucrative sports leagues in the world. However, Stewart’s story took a surprising turn when he chose not to sign with the Braves and instead opted for a different route that would make him one of the most intriguing young players in the sport.

The decision to reject the Braves’ offer was not taken lightly. Stewart, who had already committed to attend the University of Mississippi on a college scholarship, weighed the pros and cons of entering professional baseball at such a young age. While the Braves’ offer included a sizable signing bonus, Stewart felt that it was in his best interest to reject the deal in favor of exploring alternative options.

Stewart’s choice to forgo the traditional MLB path raised questions in the media and among baseball analysts. Some felt he was taking a risk by rejecting a major opportunity, but Stewart had a plan in mind. His decision was driven by his desire for a more controlled path to professional baseball, one that would allow him more time to refine his skills and develop at his own pace, avoiding the pressure that often comes with joining an MLB organization directly after high school.

A Bold Move: Joining the Japanese Baseball League

Instead of opting for the U.S. college route or entering the minor leagues under an MLB contract, Stewart made a groundbreaking decision to take his talents overseas. In 2019, at the age of 19, Stewart signed a six-year contract with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, a team in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league. This decision marked a departure from the traditional path for American players, as few have chosen to begin their careers abroad at such a young age.

The NPB is one of the most competitive and respected baseball leagues outside of Major League Baseball, and the SoftBank Hawks are considered one of the premier teams in Japan. By choosing to sign with the Hawks, Stewart joined a league with a rich history of producing top-tier talent and a fanbase passionate about the game. This move allowed Stewart to gain international exposure, develop under a different style of coaching, and experience a completely different baseball culture, all while gaining valuable playing time against some of the best talent in Asia.

One of the main reasons Stewart was drawn to the Japanese league was the opportunity to refine his pitching mechanics in a more controlled environment. Instead of spending time in the minor leagues, Stewart would play for a team in the NPB, where the level of competition is high but not as cutthroat as it often is in MLB’s minor leagues. This unique path allowed Stewart to focus on his development without the pressure of constantly fighting for a spot on a major league roster.

Adjusting to Life and Baseball in Japan

Adapting to life in Japan was a significant challenge for Stewart, both on and off the field. From learning the Japanese language to adjusting to a different culture, Stewart had to navigate many aspects of life in a foreign country. However, his decision to play in Japan allowed him to grow in ways that most young American players do not experience. Not only did Stewart improve his baseball skills, but he also gained a deeper appreciation for the global reach of the sport.

On the field, Stewart made an immediate impact in the NPB. His fastball remained a key weapon, and his curveball continued to be a pitch that stood out. Although he was initially met with some skepticism from critics who questioned his decision to bypass MLB, Stewart proved that his unconventional choice was paying off. His performances for the SoftBank Hawks, including a series of strong outings, helped him gain recognition as one of the up-and-coming pitchers in the league.

Additionally, Stewart became part of the international baseball conversation. His success in Japan earned him praise for making a decision that was outside the typical mold of an American baseball player’s journey. By following his own path, Stewart showed that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to making it in professional baseball.

The Future of Carter Stewart

As Carter Stewart continues his journey in the NPB, the future is bright for the young pitcher. His time in Japan has allowed him to grow as a player and a person, and his trajectory suggests that he could become one of the top pitchers in the league in the coming years. There is also the possibility that Stewart could one day make the move to Major League Baseball, but for now, his decision to stay in Japan and develop further is paying dividends.

Moreover, Stewart’s story may inspire future generations of young athletes to consider non-traditional paths to professional sports. While the MLB Draft is typically the most common route for American baseball players, Stewart has shown that there are other ways to achieve success in the sport. His bold move may ultimately open doors for other players who are looking to take control of their careers and avoid the pressure that can come with joining a professional organization at an early age.

Conclusion

Carter Stewart’s journey in baseball is one of bold decisions, resilience, and a commitment to self-improvement. His choice to reject the MLB Draft and sign with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks in Japan marked a turning point in his career and set him apart from his peers. While still early in his professional career, Stewart’s path to success is a testament to the idea that there is no one way to achieve greatness in baseball. His story continues to inspire players, coaches, and fans alike, and his future in the sport remains full of promise.