Entering the offseason, the Los Angeles Angels seemed pretty set with their plan at the catcher position. The team has the likely catcher of the future in Logan O'Hoppe and then some depth behind him.
Both. Max Stassi and Matt Thaiss give the Angels some confidence heading into the new year. Stassi missed the entire 2023 season while dealing with some personal issues regarding the health of his son.
But thankfully, things seemed to work out alright for him and his family. Angels general manager Perry Minasian provided an update on his status for the 2024 season.
“We expect him to be ready to go,” Minasian said. “He’s working out. He’s in a good place family-wise. Not perfect, but better.”
His son spent almost seven months in the NICU after he was born prematurely. It was an uphill battle for the entire Stassi family, and it forced him to take a leave away from baseball.
Stassi's return will be a welcomed sight for the Halos, as he is a veteran catcher who can help control the pitching game. He is loved in the clubhouse, so the team is very excited about his return.
During the 2022 season, the veteran hit .180 with nine home runs and 30 runs batted in. The statistics weren't the greatest during his last full season, but the front office is expecting a bounce-back year for him.
Stassi returning should only help someone like O'Hoppe, who is still fairly young in his big-league career. He should be able to show him the ropes a little bit and help him develop even more.
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