This year’s Los Angeles Angels were rocky and David Fletcher had some regression, which was ingrained in the team.

The Angels decided to send Fletcher down to Triple-A to spend time with the Salt Lake Bees following some early-season setbacks. He actually played in 85 games for the Bees, hitting 101 wRC+ and registering an on-base percentage of 810.

While those stats weren’t particularly encouraging, they did demonstrate that Fletcher persisted in trying to return to the major leagues in spite of a disappointing season. Remaining under contract until 2025, with several club options available thereafter, all while earning Major League wages.

To his credit, he played with the Bees for most of the season. Since rejoining the Angels on September 15, he has had 37 plate appearances and batted.273/.333/.364. As reported by Jeff Fletcher of the Southern California News Group, Fletcher’s resilience this year was echoed by many of his Salt Lake teammates who were also called up:

According to infielder Michael Stefanic, who spent the majority of the season with Fletcher in Triple-A, “One thing about Fletch is that he’s the same guy, no matter where he’s at.” He constantly works really hard. Whether he’s playing in the big leagues or Triple-A, he’s constantly out there giving it his all. Having him at the clubhouse, wherever you are, is a lot of fun.

Despite being taken by the Angels in the sixth round of the 2015 MLB Draft, Fletcher has never been known for his offensive prowess. But his difficulties overshadowed all else when the defensive numbers don’t outweigh the bat, as they have this season:

According to Fletcher, “I think it’s just normal ups and downs of a year.” “I don’t believe anything has changed. I just experienced brief periods of feeling a little weird and not feeling my best at the plate. Only that and nothing else.

Fletcher’s ability to stay a useful member of the team in terms of leadership, versatility, and league-average offensive output will determine how long he plays with the Angels.

Given how cost-controlled he is and the club option years at the end of the deal, his contract is a steal, but if he keeps up his downward trend of relying just on bat-to-ball play without much power, things will get difficult for him.

In his second season with the Angels, Michael Sefanic feels at ease.
Stefanic, who was hitting just 197/.279/.230 a year ago, is batting, as of Thursday, a far better 309/.397/.382 in 23 games. Together with striking out seven times, the 27-year-old has also drawn seven walks.

After having a strong season, Stefanic has spent three distinct stints with the Angels this year 365/.463/.467 in 99 games for Triple-A Salt Lake, with 20 doubles, five home runs, and 62 RBI.