Michael Stefanic Feeling Much More Comfortable and Results Back it Up

In his second season in the major leagues, utility infielder Michael Stefanic blew his rookie numbers out of the water.

In 2022, the 27-year-old hit just .197 with an OPS of .509. This season, he is hitting .308 with a .746 OPS and six RBI in 55 at-bats.

Stefanic reckons that he just needed a season to warm up before adjusting to the speed of playing in the major leagues.

“Last year was kind of my acclimation period and this year I feel a lot more comfortable,” Stefanic said. “Just knowing myself and being able to bring a consistent approach, day in and day out, and sticking with it. Not focusing too hard on the results. Obviously, it’s a long season and I feel like I’ve shown consistently in the minor leagues that my approach works. So just having that mindset of sticking to that and letting the results happen. It’s been able to free my mind a lot better.”

(Via Jeff Fletcher, The Orange County Register)

Stefanic's minor league numbers show that he has big-league potential, with a career batting average of .326 and a .852 OPS. He said that he focused on his defensive play during the offseason.

“The beginning of my career the first couple of times up, (defense) is what they preached to work on,” he said. “I’ve really put a lot of time and effort into that and trying to be a solid major league defender.”

(Via Jeff Fletcher, The Orange County Register)

As an older player with not a ton of experience at the major level, time will tell what role Stefanic has with the Angels going forward. But manager Phil Nevin likes the improvements he has seen this season.

“I don’t think we could have put him at third last year,” Nevin said. “He’s worked on his arm strength, his arm stroke. His hands have gotten better. His feet have gotten a little better. There’s still room obviously to get better. But I like what I’m seeing so far.”

(Via Jeff Fletcher, The Orange County Register)