Scott Blewett, a towering 6-foot-6 right-handed pitcher from Baldwinsville, New York, has experienced a remarkable baseball journey defined by setbacks, perseverance, and unexpected opportunities. As of spring training in Jupiter, Florida, Blewett found himself back in a major league clubhouse after a three-year hiatus from MLB appearances, highlighting the twists and turns of his path in the sport. His story underscores the importance of patience and gradual progress in professional baseball, a lesson vital to understanding Scott Blewett baseball journey.
Early Career Challenges and Initial Breakthroughs
Blewett first spoke candidly about using setbacks as learning experiences in early 2020 while with the Kansas City Royals. After being demoted from Triple-A to Double-A, he reflected on lessons learned from that step down. That same year, he made his major league debut, a milestone demonstrating the early payoff of resiliency. Nonetheless, his road remained far from smooth, marked by fluctuations between the minors and majors over the following seasons.
Struggles and Reflection: The 2021 to 2024 Gap
Between 2021 and 2024, Blewett did not appear in the big leagues, a stark gap that he describes as “pretty wild” to contemplate. In 2021, he battled a disappointing season at Triple-A Omaha, posting a 6.39 ERA while opponents maintained a .285 batting average against him. Despite making three relief appearances for the Royals in the majors that year, he was outrighted to Triple-A and chose free agency. Compounding this challenge was the 2022 MLB lockout, which effectively froze player movements and prevented Blewett from contacting teams for over three months.
Facing the Brink: Nearly Quitting Baseball
The uncertainty and delays during the lockout brought Blewett close to abandoning his baseball career altogether. He set a personal deadline for April 10—his birthday—to make a decision if no team showed interest. Fortunately, just before that date, the Chicago White Sox offered him a Double-A starting role, reviving his professional hopes. This moment was a turning point, allowing Blewett to continue competing even as the challenges of maintaining form in the minors persisted.
A Work in Progress: Refining Skills and Finding the Right Fit
After an underwhelming 2022 season at Double-A and a brief Triple-A slot with the White Sox, Blewett dedicated his offseason to focused training. Working with North Carolina-based Tread Athletics, a pitching lab, he aimed to enhance his mechanics and pitch arsenal. While progress was made, he remained uncertain of his readiness for big-league competition. His next opportunity arose from the Atlanta Braves, who invited him to pitch in Double-A again, a step that Blewett credits as key to his development — particularly in improving his slider.
International Experience in Taiwan Sparks Career Transformation
Released by the Braves in August 2023, Blewett signed with a team in Taiwan’s Chinese Professional Baseball League, where he pitched through October. This international stint became a vital experience, exposing him to a vibrant baseball culture rich with music, fan chants tailored to each batter, and synchronized dancing in the stands. Blewett recalled the unique atmosphere at games, noting the fun but distracting environment. Additionally, he learned to throw a splitter during this time, now considered his most effective pitch.
“God’s timing, right? He’ll put you in some places you never saw yourself, especially when I showed up in Taiwan for the first time,”
Blewett said. “I was kind of at a plateau in my career. I kept trying to make adjustments and it just wasn’t working out. One day, something clicked.” – Scott Blewett, Pitcher
Although he admits his dancing skills weren’t impressive, he embraced the expectation to perform as the game’s MVP on the podium, contributing to a sense of community and connection with fans overseas.
Return to the United States and Major League Resurgence
Following his overseas campaign, Blewett participated in the Tread Athletics Pro Day, where he caught the attention of the Minnesota Twins. Throughout most of 2024, he pitched with their Triple-A affiliate while also reappearing in the majors for the first time in three seasons. During 12 MLB games, Blewett posted a stellar 1.77 ERA across 20⅔ innings, with opponents struggling notably against his splitter, reflected in an extraordinarily low slash line of .063/.183/.250.
The Tumultuous 2025 Season: Multiple Teams and Continued Perseverance
The 2025 season proved eventful as Blewett started with the Twins, was designated for assignment, then claimed by the Baltimore Orioles. After again being designated for assignment by Baltimore, he was traded to the Braves. By June, the Orioles reacquired him in a cash exchange, where he finished the year. In total, Blewett made 43 major league appearances across these three teams, achieving a 4.21 ERA with a .255 batting average against, a 1.42 WHIP, and posting strikeout and walk rates indicative of his continued battle to sustain performance at baseball’s highest level.
The Value of Taking Steps Back to Move Forward
Blewett’s willingness to accept assignments at lower levels, such as Double-A, was instrumental in his development and eventual return to the majors. He described his experience with the Braves’ Double-A team as one of the most enjoyable chapters of his career, likening the younger players to his “younger brothers.” Reflecting on his journey, Blewett emphasized humility and gratitude as guiding principles.
“One small adjustment and I was much closer to it than I had ever thought I was. A different perspective from, whether or not it was a different coach or some advice I got from a friend. There were plenty of people that were involved in that entire process. My wife, especially. Because I was going to hang it up even going into the ’23 season. My wife was like, ‘Why don’t you see what the Braves have to offer?’”
– Scott Blewett, Pitcher
“I really kind of made some improvements, Still didn’t think I was fully ready to pitch in the big leagues. They didn’t either (laughs), so I went to Taiwan that year.”
– Scott Blewett, Pitcher
“I was going to be done playing, And April 9th at 5 o’clock, the White Sox called me and said, ‘We need a starter at Double-A. Do you want the job?’ I said, ‘Absolutely.’ So they gave me an opportunity there.”
– Scott Blewett, Pitcher
“It’s a very fun baseball culture, There’s music all game. So if I’m pitching on the road, their fans have original songs for each hitter. And each hitter, the song is playing the entire at-bat. Then the next hitter, they have their own song. So it’s kind of a distraction, but it’s also fun. There’s synchronized dancing in the stands. It’s a very outgoing and just energetic culture.”
– Scott Blewett, Pitcher
“Not good, but you just have to kind of try your best, If you’re going to go up and give 50 percent effort, they’re not going to like that. As long as you try, they’ll embrace you for sure.”
– Scott Blewett, Pitcher
“Going back to Double-A that year with the Braves, that was — I don’t know, They were like my younger brothers in a sense. It was one of the most fun years I ever had.
I had to take two steps back to take two steps forward. I was grateful for those experiences. It’s a humbling game. I’m just grateful. Here we are now. All we can do is try and push forward and be the best version of myself.”
– Scott Blewett, Pitcher
Implications and What Lies Ahead for Blewett
Scott Blewett’s journey illustrates the unpredictable nature of a professional baseball career, marked by roster moves, international stints, and sacrifices common to many players outside the spotlight. His story highlights the critical importance of adaptability, mental resilience, and incremental adjustments, such as mastering a splitter, in prolonging a competitive presence at baseball’s highest levels. As Blewett continues to push forward, his path serves as an inspiring example to players facing adversity, showing that sometimes meaningful progress requires taking steps backward before moving ahead.
