Michael Stefanic Heads to Free Agency After Athletics Outright Him

Oakland Athletics infielder Michael Stefanic has officially elected free agency after the team outrighted him to Triple-A on Monday. Stefanic, who has spent parts of five seasons in the majors, rejected the assignment due to a prior outright, giving him the right to pursue opportunities on the open market.

Stefanic, 30, is a utility infielder with a mixed major league track record. In 294 career plate appearances, he has hit just .231/.315/.269, failing to consistently capitalize on his brief big league opportunities. The A’s had added him to their roster in September after placing Jacob Wilson on the injured list but quickly designated him for assignment after acquiring Alika Williams.

Despite his modest major league numbers, Stefanic has been a standout in the minors. He owns a .326/.422/.447 batting line in Triple-A over his career, showcasing a high-contact approach with minimal strikeouts and defensive flexibility. He has experience at all four infield positions and even played outfield in the minors, though he has mainly seen action at second base in the majors.

With Stefanic out of minor league options, the Athletics had little choice but to place him on waivers or release him. They chose the former, and he has now become a free agent. The move creates a roster spot amid a short-handed infield situation, with both Wilson and Max Muncy currently on the IL. Stefanic’s departure leaves the A’s with limited depth at second base and around the infield.

The A’s likely would have been open to re-signing Stefanic on a minor league deal. With Wilson and Muncy sidelined, the team could use his defensive versatility. But Stefanic’s decision to test the market gives him the chance to seek a more competitive opportunity.

Stefanic’s best season came in 2022, when he hit .310/.404/.421 for Triple-A Las Vegas in 115 games. That performance earned him a September call-up with the A’s, but he went just 4-for-20 in 10 games.

As a free agent, Stefanic will look to land a spot on an MLB roster or a minor league deal with an option to return. Teams in need of a utility infielder with experience could take notice, especially with spring training approaching.

The A’s now have until the end of the month to finalize their 40-man roster moves. They’ll need to find a solution at second base while Muncy and Wilson remain sidelined.