Oakland Athletics were looking for an additional backup outfielder before the spring training started. Now they have found one. Shannon Stewart has agreed to a one year contract worth $1 million.
As per the contract, Steward can earn another $1.5 million in performance bonuses. He is set to join Bobby Kielty as a backup outfielder, behind right fielder Milton Bradley, center fielder Mark Kotsay and left fielder Nick Swisher.
Billy Beane, Oakland’s general manager, was looking to replace Jay Payton who has left the Athletics. He wanted to accomplish this before spring training started in Phoenix. To make room for Stewart on the roster, Oakland designated outfielder Charles Thomas for assignment.
Stewart plays left field mostly but feels comfortable in any spot. It is believed that the Athletics will try him in several positions during spring training before deciding where he should play.
Last year, Stewart batted .293, with 2 homeruns and 21 RBIs in 174 at-bats with Minnesota Twins. However, he played just 44 games because of foot injuries. Stewart spent the last 3 1/2 seasons with the Twins. He started his career in MLB 12 seasons agi with the Toronto Blue Jays. He has a career average of .299 with 102 homeruns.
Stewart spent the entire offseason getting MRIs done and visiting doctors. Now he is pain free and can run full speed. Before signing up with the Athletics, Stewart was spending his time interviewing with different clubs by showing off his baseball skills. He said that time was frustrating for him as he had never done something like this before.
Besides his $1 million contract, Stewart would also make an additional $200,000 for 200 plate appearances, and another $100,000 each for 220, 245, 265, 290, 310, 335, 355, 380, 400, 425, 450, 475 and 500 plate appearances.