Aaron

Whitefield

The 29-year-old outfielder hasn’t played stateside since kicking around in the independent leagues back in 2023, but he made a statement on in the World Baseball Classic on Sunday. He singled off of Tomoyuki Sugano in the opening inning but wound up getting stranded at third base. He then dropped down a perfect bunt to open the third inning and swiped second base, but his teammates were unable to cash him in from there. Whitefield then smacked a one-out double in the fifth inning, stole third base and scored the game’s first run as Kenya Wakatuski overthrew the third baseman. His efforts wound up being for naught though as Japan rallied late to secure the victory.

Whitefield appeared in eight games for the Angels over the last three years, but was really struggling this season, slashing .190/.280/.324 with three homers and 12 steals across 118 plate appearances over 37 games for Double-A Rocket City. The 26-year-old outfielder might get another shot somewhere else.

Whitefield, 26, went 0-for-11 with five strikeouts during a brief stay with the Angels this season and slashed .263/.343/.432 with nine homers and 29 steals over 79 games in Double-A. He’ll likely serve as minor league depth again next season.

Whitefield had been designated for assignment by the Angels earlier in the week. He was crushing it at Double-A Rocket City before his call-up -- slashing .301/.400/.538 with five homers and 13 stolen bases over 111 plate appearances, so the promotion to Triple-A is certainly warranted.

Whitefield has been removed from the team’s 40-man roster to make room after the Angels made a flurry of moves Saturday. The outfielder had just had his contract purchased by the Angels last Friday, and there could be interest from other clubs to add him to their organization.

Whitefield was off to a great start in the minors, hitting .301/.400/.538 with five homers and 13 steals across 111 plate appearances in Double-A.

Whitefield spent the entire 2021 season with the Double-A affiliate of the Twins, batting .257/.327/.353 with six home runs and 36 stolen bases over 111 games played. The speedy 25-year-old from Australia will function as organizational outfield depth for the Halos leading into the 2022 campaign.

The move clears him from the 40-man roster. Whitefield made the Twins’ Opening Day roster but received just one plate appearance prior to being sent down last week.

Whitefield made the Twins’ Opening Day roster but has received just one plate appearance. The Twins needed to their their roster down to 28 players.

Whitefield is a speedster who hasn’t hit a lick in the minors. He appears to be just a pinch runner/defensive replacement.