Free agent has signed a minor league deal with the Toronto Blue Jays, according to Klutch Sports agent Nate Heisler, who made the announcement on X earlier this week.
He departs the Los Angeles Angels after spending six seasons with the organization. His journey to professional baseball was unconventional; after playing at Westmont College, He went undrafted in the 2018 MLB Draft. Determined to continue his career, he sent his highlights to all 30 MLB teams, eventually signing with the Angels
He made his MLB debut in July 2022, appearing in 25 games and hitting .197/.279/.230 with 12 hits and five RBIs, but no home runs. In 2023, he began the season with Triple-A Salt Lake and later returned to the majors, hitting .290 with 18 hits, five runs, and six RBIs in 25 games.
However, his 2024 season was interrupted by a spring training hamstring injury that landed him on the 60-day injured list. After returning in late May, he played 40 games for the Angels, batting .218 with 24 hits, eight runs, and eight RBIs. He has yet to record his first MLB home run.
After the 2024 season, Stefanic was removed from the Angels’ 40-man roster and outrighted to Triple-A. He opted for free agency shortly after, and now joins the Blue Jays’ system.
Primarily a second baseman, Stefanic faced limited opportunities with the Angels moving forward. The team selected Christian Moore, a standout second baseman from Tennessee, with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft.
Moore, who helped his college team win a College World Series, quickly advanced to Double-A in his debut season and is regarded as the Angels’ second baseman of the future. Despite missing time due to injury, Moore’s rapid progression has solidified his status as a key part of the Angels’ plans, leaving little room for Stefanic to establish himself.
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