Eric Stout

Stout was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 13th round of the 2014 MLB Draft out of Butler University.[1] He signed and was assigned to the Idaho Falls Chukars, where he spent all of his first professional season, going 5–2 with a 3.58 ERA in 32.2 innings pitched. In 2015, Stout played for the AZL Royals, Lexington Legends, Northwest Arkansas Naturals, and Idaho Falls, posting a combined 0–1 record and 3.15 ERA in 20 games between the four teams. He spent 2016 with Northwest Arkansas, going 6–4 with a 3.86 ERA in 42 games, and 2017 with the Omaha Storm Chasers, pitching to a 5–2 record and 2.99 ERA in 45 games.[2] The Royals added him to their 40-man roster after the 2017 season.[3]

Stout began 2018 back with Omaha. He was called up to the Major Leagues on April 24, 2018.[4] He is the only MLB player to be born in Glen Ellyn, Illinois[5] Stout was designated for assignment on September 5, and later released on September 10.

On January 4, 2019, Stout signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres. He was released on March 27, 2019.

On April 1, 2019, Stout signed with the Kansas City T-Bones of the independent American Association.

On May 31, 2019, Stout's contract was purchased by the Cincinnati Reds.[6] He became a free agent following the 2019 season.[7]

On March 4, 2020, Stout re-signed with the Kansas City T-Bones of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball. The T-Bones were not selected to compete in the condensed 60-game season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he was later drafted by the Chicago Dogs in the 2020 dispersal draft. Stout was released on July 31, 2020.

On January 20, 2021, Stout signed with the Kansas City Monarchs of the American Association of Professional Baseball.[8] Stout recorded a 2–1 record and 1.96 ERA across 4 appearances for Kansas City.

On June 6, 2021, Stout's contract was purchased by the Miami Marlins organization.[9] He was assigned to the Triple-A Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. In 7 appearances for Jacksonville, Stout was 0–2 with a 10.19 ERA and 21 strikeouts. On August 12, Stout was released by the Marlins.[10]

On August 27, 2021, Stout re-signed with the Kansas City Monarchs of the American Association of Professional Baseball.[11]

On March 8, 2022, prior to the start of the American Association season, Stout's contract was purchased by the Chicago Cubs organization.[12] Chicago selected Stout's contract on June 13 and designated him for assignment on June 16.[13] During that timespan of June 13 to June 16, Stout pitched two games for the Cubs. In his second game on June 15, 2022, he struck out four consecutive Padres.[14]

On June 16, 2022, Stout was claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates. On August 10, Stout recorded his first career save. Pitching in relief against the Arizona Diamondbacks, he replaced Wil Crowe and retired the only batter he faced.[15] On November 10, Stout was removed from the 40-man roster and sent outright to the Triple–A Indianapolis Indians; he elected free agency the same day.[16][17]

On December 15, 2022, Stout signed a minor league contract to return to the Chicago Cubs. He was released without making an appearance for the organization on April 12, 2023.[18]

On April 13, 2023, Stout signed a minor league contract with the Seattle Mariners. In 21 games (4 starts) for the Triple–A Tacoma Rainiers, he logged a 4.20 ERA with 44 strikeouts in 40+2⁄3 innings pitched. On July 16, Stout was released by the Mariners organization.[19]

On July 19, 2023, Stout signed with the CTBC Brothers of the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL).[20]