The White Sox made the second-biggest move involving a member of the 2023 Angels today, acquiring catcher Max Stassi from the Atlanta Braves along with cash for a player to be named later.
Stassi spent approximately 24 hours with Atlanta, which acquired him and David Fletcher from Los Angeles for Evan White and Tyler Thomas on Friday. That trade allowed the Angels to clear some salary, while the Braves acquired an infielder in Fletcher who replaces the utility vacancy left by Nicky Lopez, who is now on the White Sox.
Stassi actually didn't play at all in 2023 due to a left hip strain and a family medical issue. He revealed in an Instagram post in October that his son Jackson was born 3 months premature in April. Jackson spent seven months in the NICU, but Angels GM Perry Minasian said that Stassi was preparing to return to action in 2024.
When Stassi last played in 2022, he hit .180/.267/.303 over 102 games for the Angels, a marked drop-off from two successful seasons in a backup role. He had been among the game's best receivers and a decent catch-and-throw guy in those part-time seasons. While it's unclear how much he'll play, he gives the White Sox a veteran catcher to pair with either Korey Lee or Carlos Pérez.
Stassi is under contract for $7 million in 2024, but Daryl Van Schouwen says the Braves are expected to be paying most of it.
Stassi occupies the roster spot that was cleared when the Sox outrighted Edgar Navarro from the 40-man roster. The White Sox still have not announced the Erick Fedde signing.
