Aaron Whitefield was among the 66 players who appeared in a game for the Los Angeles Angels during the 2022 season, which marked his first big league action in two years.
The Brisbane, Australia native originally signed with the Minnesota Twins in 2015 and he would go on to make his MLB debut five years later. He went hitless in his only at-bat but appeared in three overall games and scored a run.
Whitefield did not make it back to the Majors in 2021 and signed a Minor League contract with the Angels the following offseason. He began the year with Double-A Rocket City but was added to the 40-man roster and promoted to Majors in May as the team dealt with several injuries.
Whitefield made two starts in center field and played in five total games, going hitless in 11 plate appearances with five strikeouts. He was designated for assignment one week later but cleared waivers and accepted an outright assignment to Rocket City, where he remained for the rest of the 2022 season.
Whitefield found more success with the Trash Pandas, batting .262/.343/.432 with 18 doubles, nine home runs, 38 RBI and 29 stolen bases in 346 plate appearances (79 games).
Aaron Whitefield 2022 highlight
Despite his overall struggles, Whitefield making it back to the big leagues is a highlight of its own and one to be proud of.
As for his best statistical performance, Whitefield went 2-for-4 with a pair of home runs and three RBI against the Birmingham Barons on April 10.
2023 outlook
The Angels re-signed Whitefield to a Minor League contract and it is reasonable to think he could return to the Majors at some point during the 2023 season, especially if injuries arise.
The 26-year-old figures to also see time with Triple-A Salt Lake, which would be his first time playing at the level. He should continue to serve as organizational depth for the 2023 season.
In the meantime, Whitefield is expected to play for Team Australia in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. He previously represented his home country in the 2017 tournament.
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