Heading into the 2024 season, the Angels have a ton of work to do to round out their roster. They aren’t sure what that will look like right now, but they seem to be getting a key veteran piece back for next season.
General Manager Perry Minasian gave an update on catcher Max Stassi, who missed the entire 2023 season while dealing with some tough personal issues regarding his son’s medical challenges.
“Minasian said the Angels will welcome back catcher Max Stassi, who is preparing to return to action in 2024 after missing the 2023 season while dealing with his son’s medical challenges. The baby was born three months prematurely in April.”
The child spent nearly seven months in the NICU after being born prematurely, and it was an uphill battle for Stassi and his family. Thankfully, his child is okay, and it seems that Stassi is gearing up to play again in 2024.
“When you have a veteran catcher that can control a pitching staff like he can, that’s huge,” Minasian said. “We were very young there last year.”
In the 2022 season. Stassi hit .180 with nine home runs and 30 runs batted in. It was a down year for him, but the Angels know what he can do on both sides of the equation.
He knows how to command a pitching staff, and with the Halos being so young in their rotation, his presence will be massive. He will likely split time with second-year player Logan O’Hoppe, with O’Hoppe likely being the starter.
Stassi can help him as well, showing him the ropes of the big leagues. Either way, the Angels are very happy to have him back, and they are happy that everything is okay with his family.
Sometimes some moments are more important than baseball, and this was one of them. We can’t wait to see Stassi back on the field next season and wish his entire family our support with everything.
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