JUST NOW: Angels’ prominent slugger joins American League East Squad
Los Angeles Angels free agent has signed a minor league deal with the Toronto Blue Jays, as announced by his agent, Nate Heisler, on X earlier this week.
Stefanic departs the Angels after six seasons with the organization, a journey that began in an unconventional way. After graduating from Westmont College, Stefanic went undrafted in the 2018 MLB Draft. Determined to continue his baseball career, he sent highlight reels to all 30 MLB teams and eventually signed with the Angels.
In July 2022, Stefanic made his MLB debut, playing 25 games and posting a .197/.279/.230 slash line with 12 hits and five RBIs. Though he didn’t record any home runs or extra RBIs that season, his perseverance was evident.
He started the 2023 season at Triple-A Salt Lake and later appeared in 25 MLB games, hitting .290 with 18 hits, five runs, and six RBIs. However, a hamstring injury during spring training in 2024 placed him on the 60-day injured list. After returning in May, he played 40 games for the Angels, batting .218 with 24 hits, eight runs, and eight RBIs, still seeking his first MLB home run.
Following the 2024 season, Stefanic was removed from the Angels’ 40-man roster and outrighted to Triple-A Salt Lake. He chose free agency shortly after and has now joined the Blue Jays.
Stefanic primarily plays second base, a position the Angels no longer prioritize with the emergence of Christian Moore, their 2024 first-round draft pick. Moore, a standout from Tennessee who helped lead his team to a College World Series title, quickly rose to Double-A in his first minor league season despite dealing with injuries. Widely regarded as the Angels’ second baseman of the future, Moore’s development limited Stefanic’s opportunities to establish himself as a regular infielder in Los Angeles.
Now with Toronto, Stefanic looks to carve out a new chapter in his career.