Brock Stewart: The Overlooked Reliever Who Holds the Key to a Dominant Bullpen

For the first time in 10 months, Brock Stewart stepped onto the mound in a game, and it did not take long to remember why he was such a crucial piece of the Minnesota Twins bullpen in 2023 and the early parts of 2024. Manager Rocco Baldelli summed up the performance well:

“I thought Brock was the highlight of the day for me watching the game. The stuff looked like vintage Brock Stewart. I think he was pumped to be back out there on the mound.”

It’s been quite the journey for Stewart. Signed by the Twins to a Minor League deal in 2023, he hadn’t pitched in a Major League game since 2019 due to injuries and a stint in the Independent League. Once a highly regarded prospect, Stewart flashed the ability that scouts long believed he had, posting an astounding 0.65 ERA while striking out 12.07 batters per nine innings. He carried that dominance into the 2023 season, looking like a vital piece of the bullpen before shoulder tendinitis derailed his season.

Given his extended absence, it’s understandable that Stewart may have slipped from fans’ minds. But make no mistake—when healthy, he is one of the best relievers in baseball and a game-changer for the Twins' bullpen. His presence alone creates a domino effect, strengthening the entire bullpen.

If Stewart is throwing the seventh inning, now Cole Sands, who broke out as a solid seventh-inning option for the Twins, can instead pitch in a sixth-inning role and be outstanding. The domino effect is real and makes a big difference. With Stewart healthy and pitching at a high level, some of the high-leverage pressure on Griffin Jax can come off, and Jhoan Duran can focus solely on being the dominant closer that he is. The result? One of the most formidable bullpen back-ends in the league, capable of matching up with any contender.

Of course, health will always be the key. Stewart has proven that when he is on the mound, he is elite. The Twins’ challenge is ensuring that he stays there. His careful buildup this spring is no cause for concern—it is the right approach to preserve him for the long haul, and while Spring Training stats aren't anything to put stock in, seeing him look like the pitcher we've seen before was important. As Baldelli noted:

“He was in and around the zone the whole outing with really good stuff. And I think from there we can hone it in. You know, get what we’re looking for out of all these outings. But for a first outing, that’s what you’re hoping to see from Brock Stewart.”

The numbers backed up Baldelli’s excitement. Stewart’s fastball averaged 96.5 MPH and topped out at 97.5 MPH—just a tick above his 97.3 MPH average from last season when he was fully healthy. More importantly, he appeared comfortable on the mound, an encouraging sign for someone who missed significant time with a shoulder injury last year.

It’s likely the Twins will continue to be cautious with Stewart throughout the season, potentially limiting back-to-back appearances and strategically giving him rest when needed. The priority is ensuring he is at full strength when it matters most—in October. The trio of Stewart, Jax, and Duran could be a difference-maker in a playoff series, shutting down opposing lineups in the late innings.

It’s easy to overlook Stewart, given the time he has missed, but that should change quickly. His dominance is real, and his presence in the bullpen is transformative. If the Twins can keep him healthy, they have one of the best relievers in baseball ready to make a major impact in 2024.

Are you excited about Brock Stewart in 2025? Leave a comment below and start the conversation!