Demetrius Stewart: Everything you need to know

The Pirates released Stewart on Wednesday, Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. After appearing in 74 games at the big-league level with the Mets in 2024, Stewart had played exclusively in the minors so far in 2025 as a member of the Pirates organization. The 31-year-old didn't perform well enough at the dish to make a serious case for a promotion, as he turned in a .128/.250/.263 slash line while striking out at a 30.1 percent clip over 156 plate appearances. Stewart will now be in search of another minor-league deal with a new organzation.

The Pirates informed Stewart on Monday that he won't be included on the Opening Day roster, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports. He had been in the mix for reps at first base while Spencer Horwitz (wrist) is sidelined to begin the season, but Stewart ultimately will not head north with the big club. Stewart has an opt-out clause in his minor-league contract and will likely exercise it, allowing him to become a free agent and pursue options elsewhere.

Stewart remains in the mix to win the Pirates' first base job to begin the regular season,Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. Stewart is in camp as a non-roster invitee and has remained in contention to fill in for the injured Spencer Horwitz (wrist) by collecting 10 hits across 33 Grapefruit League at-bats, including six extra-base knocks. However, Stewart has also struck out 12 times while walking only three times. Billy Cook and Nick Yorke appear to be the other primary candidates, both of whom are already on the 40-man roster.