TORONTO, CANADA - MAY 16: Michael Stefanic #16 of the Toronto Blue Jays runs to first base as he singles in the third inning of their MLB game against the Detroit Tigers at Rogers Centre on May 16, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
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The Toronto Blue Jays are looking for a new identity as the momentum they enjoyed during an exciting World Series run last year eludes them in this season.
The team holds a losing record after revamping its roster in the offseason and it’s becoming clear that the new-look lineup is unable to create the same kind of impact on games that it did as the hottest hitting team in the sport last year.
“I never question the guys' effort and their prep, kind of just seems like we're kind of stuck in the middle there where you can either get a little separation or add on in a different way,” manager John Schneider said after a recent loss to the New York Yankees, per Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi. “But when you get all singles, it's tough to make that sustainable, for sure.”
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Among the most significant changes for the Blue Jays are the loss of long-time shortstop Bo Bichette and the addition of veteran Japanese star Kazuma Okamoto. But now the team has gotten a surprising update on the availability of another one of its infielders from last year.
“Infielder Michael Stefanic has elected free agency,” Darragh McDonald reported for MLB Trade Rumors. “The Athletics outrighted him to Triple-A yesterday. Since he has a previous career outright, he has the right to reject further such assignments. He has exercised that right and heads to the open market.”
Stefanic signed a minor-league deal with the Blue Jays in 2024 and started last season with the Triple-A affiliate Buffalo Bisons before being added to the team’s big-league roster shortly after Opening Day.
The 30-year-old infielder made nine appearances for the Blue Jays last year, making six starts at second base, playing one inning at shortstop and closing out a game on the mound. But he was designated for assignment in June, cleared waivers and returned to Triple-A where he finished out the season.
Before this campaign began, Stefanic signed a minor-league contract with the Athletics and was called up for a brief season debut in the big leagues before being designated for assignment again. He has now rejected that assignment and returned to free agency, presumably searching for another major-league opportunity.
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“In these situations, it’s common for the player to return to his previous club on a new minor league deal, but Stefanic can at least explore the market to see if there’s a better opportunity somewhere else,” McDonald added. “The A’s would probably be happy to get him back with both Wilson and Max Muncy on the IL right now, leaving them a bit shorthanded on the dirt.”
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