The Toronto Blue Jays have signed a player to a minor league deal.

On Wednesday afternoon, KLUTCH Baseball agent Nate Heisler announced that Michael Stefanic signed a minor league deal with the Blue Jays.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Congrats to our <a href="https://twitter.com/KlutchSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KlutchSports</a> client Michael Stefanic (<a href="https://twitter.com/mjstefi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mjstefi</a>) on agreeing to a MiLB contract with the Toronto Blue Jays <a href="https://twitter.com/BlueJays?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BlueJays</a>
&mdash; Nate Heisler (@Nate_Heisler) <a href="https://twitter.com/Nate_Heisler/status/1861877216646176915?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Stefanic signed as an undrafted free agent after the 2018 draft with the Los Angeles Angels, where he spent his entire professional career. He’s found success in Triple-A in the past, as he slashed .334/.408/.505 with 16 home runs in 458 plate appearances in 2021 for a 130 wRC+ in 2021. His best Triple-A season was in 2023, where he slashed .365/463/.467 with five home runs in 455 plate appearances for a 139 wRC+.
The 28-year-old second baseman has also had a few cups of coffee in the big leagues with the Angels. Stefanic made his debut in 2022, slashing .197/.279/.230 with no home runs in 69 plate appearances. In 2023, he slashed .290/.380/.355 with no home runs in 71 plate appearances, but had an 11.3 K% and BB% for a 109 wRC+ and a 0.2 fWAR.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Michael Stefanic and the Angels walk off the Yankees! <a href="https://t.co/V5J90NbS7b">pic.twitter.com/V5J90NbS7b</a>
&mdash; Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) <a href="https://twitter.com/TalkinBaseball_/status/1681169371551473664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Last season was the longest he spent in the big leagues, as Stefanic slashed .218/.301/.255 with no home runs in 124 plate appearances for a 63 wRC+ and a -0.4 fWAR. Stefanic did have an impressive showing with the Angels’ Triple-A team though, slashing .389/.456/.510 with two home runs in 183 plate appearances for a 148 wRC+.
Defensively, Stefanic has been solid at second base during his big league career. Last season in 256.1 innings, he posted 0 Defensive Runs Saved and -2 Outs Above Average. For his career, he’s played 470.1 innings at the keystone, where he has 1 DRS and -2 OAA.
This signing only helps the Blue Jays’ depth at second base. As it stands, Addison Barger, Ernie Clement, Spencer Horwitz, Leo Jiménez, Orelvis Martínez, and Will Wagner are the players <a href="https://bluejaysnation.com/news/position-by-position-blue-jays-have-a-handful-of-young-infielders-but-only-so-much-playing-time">who can play second base on the Jays’ 40-man roster</a>.
It’s unclear what the Blue Jays have planned for Stefanic, but having an AAAA infielder could become useful if they deal with injuries next season. And well, signing a player like this has worked in the past for the Jays, look no further than Ernie Clement.
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As always, you can follow me Bluesky @ryleydelaney.bsky.social.
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The Toronto Blue Jays have signed a player to a minor league deal.



On Wednesday afternoon, KLUTCH Baseball agent Nate Heisler announced that Michael Stefanic signed a minor league deal with the Blue Jays.

https://twitter.com/Nate_Heisler/status/1861877216646176915

&nbsp;

Stefanic signed as an undrafted free agent after the 2018 draft with the Los Angeles Angels, where he spent his entire professional career. He’s found success in Triple-A in the past, as he slashed .334/.408/.505 with 16 home runs in 458 plate appearances in 2021 for a 130 wRC+ in 2021. His best Triple-A season was in 2023, where he slashed .365/463/.467 with five home runs in 455 plate appearances for a 139 wRC+.

The 28-year-old second baseman has also had a few cups of coffee in the big leagues with the Angels. Stefanic made his debut in 2022, slashing .197/.279/.230 with no home runs in 69 plate appearances. In 2023, he slashed .290/.380/.355 with no home runs in 71 plate appearances, but had an 11.3 K% and BB% for a 109 wRC+ and a 0.2 fWAR.

https://twitter.com/TalkinBaseball_/status/1681169371551473664

Last season was the longest he spent in the big leagues, as Stefanic slashed .218/.301/.255 with no home runs in 124 plate appearances for a 63 wRC+ and a -0.4 fWAR. Stefanic did have an impressive showing with the Angels’ Triple-A team though, slashing .389/.456/.510 with two home runs in 183 plate appearances for a 148 wRC+.

Defensively, Stefanic has been solid at second base during his big league career. Last season in 256.1 innings, he posted 0 Defensive Runs Saved and -2 Outs Above Average. For his career, he’s played 470.1 innings at the keystone, where he has 1 DRS and -2 OAA.

This signing only helps the Blue Jays’ depth at second base. As it stands, Addison Barger, Ernie Clement, Spencer Horwitz, Leo Jiménez, Orelvis Martínez, and Will Wagner are the players <a href="https://bluejaysnation.com/news/position-by-position-blue-jays-have-a-handful-of-young-infielders-but-only-so-much-playing-time">who can play second base on the Jays’ 40-man roster</a>.

It’s unclear what the Blue Jays have planned for Stefanic, but having an AAAA infielder could become useful if they deal with injuries next season. And well, signing a player like this has worked in the past for the Jays, look no further than Ernie Clement.

<hr />

As always, you can follow me Bluesky @ryleydelaney.bsky.social.

<hr />

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<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-80711 aligncenter" src="https://publish.bluejaysnation.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2099/08/BJN-Article.png" alt="" width="727" height="404" />

Black Friday is HERE, Nation Citizens! 🏒 Score 15% off all your favorites, including the brand-new "My City" Collection and fresh drops you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re gifting a die-hard fan or upgrading your own game-day fit, Nation Gear has you covered. Spend over $200, and enjoy free shipping, too! 🛍️ But hurry—this one-week-only deal is live now! Shop exclusively at nationgear.ca and make this holiday season unforgettable!

The Blue Jays sign second baseman Michael Stefanic to a minor league deal

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