The Pittsburgh Pirates today announced the signing of catcher Chris Stewart to a two-year contract for the 2016 and 2017 seasons. The announcement was made by Executive Vice President, General Manager Neal Huntington.
Stewart hit .289 with eight doubles, 15 RBI and nine runs scored in 58 games in 2015, his second year as a member of the Pirates. He also posted a 2.46 catcher's ERA (372.2ip/102er) in his 52 appearances (36 starts) behind the plate last season. The Pirates went 26-10 in his 36 starts, which included a 15-1 record in his 16 starts at PNC Park.
The 33-year-old Stewart was acquired by Pittsburgh from New York (AL) on December 1, 2013. In his first season as a member of the Pirates in 2014, Stewart hit .294 in 49 games, including a .385 average (20-for-52) in 21 games following the All-Star break.
Since breaking into the big leagues in 2006, Stewart has appeared in a total of 364 games with the Chicago White Sox (2006), Texas Rangers (2007), New York Yankees (2008 and 2012-13), San Diego Padres (2010), San Francisco Giants (2011) and Pirates (2014-15).
The Pirates have also designated RHP Yoervis Medina for assignment.