Here’s every stop Steve Pearce made on his 12-year journey to becoming World Series MVP
Pearce is one of just six players to suit up for every AL East team.
Red Sox first baseman Steve Pearce was named World Series MVP Sunday night following the team’s title-clinching Game 5 win. The 35-year-old has spent time playing with each of the five AL East teams over his 12 years in MLB, including his most recent home in Boston. Here’s what the journeyman’s career has looked like on his road to becoming World Series MVP. (source: Baseball Reference)
June 7, 2004: Drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 10th round of the 2004 amateur draft, but did not sign.
June 7, 2005: Pearce is drafted again, this time by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 8th round. He signed four days later but spent the ensuing year playing for various minor league teams. Pearce made his MLB debut on September 1, 2007 and played 23 games with Pittsburgh in his rookie year.
November 3, 2011: Pearce is granted free agency by the Pirates.
December 15, 2011: He signs a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins.
March 27, 2012: He is released by the Twins.
March 29, 2012: Pearce signs as a free agent with the Yankees. He played 53 games and finished with 30 RBIs during his stint with the Yankees’ minor league affiliate Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
June 2, 2012: Traded to the Baltimore Orioles from the Yankees. Pearce made his debut with the Orioles the day after the trade was finalized, but was designated for assignment in late July after 28 games.
July 28, 2012: Pearce is selected off waivers by the Houston Astros. He played 21 games with the team and batted in eight runs.
August 27, 2012: Pearce is purchased from the Astros by the New York Yankees for a second stint, playing a dozen games before being waived.
September 29, 2012: Pearce is selected off waivers by the Baltimore Orioles.
April 27, 2014: He is released by the Baltimore Orioles.
April 29, 2014: Pearce is re-signed as a free agent with the Baltimore Orioles.
November 2, 2015: Granted free agency by the Orioles.
January 28, 2016: Signed as a free agent with the Tampa Bay Rays. He spent eight months as a designated hitter and a baseman for Tampa, often being utilized at first, second and third base.
August 1, 2016: Traded from the Tampa Bay Rays to the Baltimore Orioles for minor league catcher Jonah Heim. This was the beginning of his third and shortest stint with Baltimore, which lasted just 25 games.
November 3, 2016: Granted free agency by Tampa Bay.
December 5, 2016: Signed as a free agent with the Toronto Blue Jays.
June 28, 2018: Pearce is traded to the Boston Red Sox from Toronto for minor league second baseman Santiago Espinal.
