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Monday, February 10, 2025

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Blue Jays: Michael Stefanic is a darkish horse candidate for the Opening Day roster in a bench position



The Toronto Blue Jays have been aggressive this winter, evidenced by their pursuit of a few of the largest free brokers and the current signings of Anthony Santander, Jeff Hoffman, and Max Scherzer to bolster the Opening Day roster.

One transfer that has flown quietly beneath the radar was the signing of infielder Michael Stefanic to a minor league cope with an invitation to Spring Coaching. The deal got here in early December, with Stefanic hitting free company after being outrighted to the triple-A roster and electing free company shortly after.

Stefanic’s backstory is attention-grabbing, because the Westmont School product went undrafted in 2018 however submitted his spotlight tape to baseball scouts and executives from coast to coast and finally landed a contract with the Los Angeles Angels because of accidents piling up for his or her Rookie Ball membership within the ACL.

From there, Stefanic continued to work his method up the minor league ladder and made his MLB debut in 2022, splitting his time between triple-A and the large leagues over the previous few seasons to the tune of 233 at-bats throughout 90 video games. Whereas he did discover some restricted success in 2023 (.290/.380/.355 slash line by 62 at-bats), his general numbers fall simply quick at eight doubles, 14 RBIs and a .592 OPS by three seasons, with Stefanic hanging out 40 occasions.

Contemplating the Blue Jays have a glut of gifted infielders – Leo Jimenez, Addison Barger, Will Wagner, Orelvis Martinez – Stefanic might appear to be the odd man out, particularly since he would want a 40-man spot and is out of MiLB choices. Whereas it’s not a splashy signing like Pete Alonso or Alex Bregman, what makes Stefanic an attention-grabbing title within the combine for the Jays Opening Day roster is how ZiPS is projecting for the 29-year-old to have a strong displaying in 2025.

ZiPS is exclusive in its methods, utilizing comparable gamers and calculations primarily based on current historical past/efficiency whereas considering regular at-bats all through a full season (excluding issues like damage or a demotion that may sway performed video games).

Per ZiPS, if Stefanic was to remain within the huge leagues for many of the season – working possible in a bench capability – he would slot in with a 109 wRC+ and a 1.9 fWAR, amassing 4 residence runs and 43 RBIs. He would additionally publish a .278/.354/.369 slash line with a .318 wOBA and a .308 BABIP, placing the ball in play at a excessive accord. His ISO is on the low aspect at .082, as he isn’t an influence hitter by any means, however the numbers beneath this projection are attention-grabbing beneath the floor.

That’s to not say that this can turn into a actuality. If Stefanic is enjoying daily for the Jays, I might hazard a guess that some issues have gone sideways for the Jays in a rush up the center by way of damage, or he runs away with the third base spot (barring no offseason acquisitions), a place he has restricted expertise with in current reminiscence.

It’s a protracted shot for him to get a loopy quantity of reps, however a powerful spring may put him into rivalry for a have a look at the large league roster in a bench capability, particularly since he can play a number of infield positions. Ernie Clement is probably going his largest competitor right here, whereas Jimenez gained’t go down with out a battle both in addition to Wagner, however something can occur in Spring Coaching. For a Blue Jays squad trying to determine learn how to win within the postseason, nothing needs to be off the desk heading into the brand new 12 months.

Ought to Stefanic replicate at the least a few of the ZiPS numbers, the Blue Jays might have simply discovered some gold off the bench. It’s wishful pondering, however I’m all for extra competitors this spring to find out who ought to keep within the huge leagues and who ought to wait within the wings, able to pounce when the chance strikes.


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