The Canaries Re-Sign Whitefield and Johnson
SIOUX FALLS, SD – The Canaries re-sign Outfielder, Aaron Whitefield and Relief Pitcher, Christian Johnson.
Whitefield (27) will enter his second season with the Birds, after joining the club via trade with the Kansas City Monarchs in late August. The electric outfielder made an immediate impact on the basepaths, swiping 7 bags and scoring 10 runs in just 12 games and providing Major League level defense in centerfield. Prior to joining the Canaries, the Brisbane, Australia native saw two stints in MLB (Minnesota Twins – 2020 & Los Angeles Angels – 2022).
“Aaron is as good as advertised,” says Canaries Manager Mike Meyer. “His presence in the outfield is immeasurable. Although the Birdcage is known as a hitter’s ballpark with the short porches down the lines, centerfield plays huge, and he covers it as good as anybody I have ever seen. I don’t see him as just a premier defender either. I expect good at bats, sneaky pop, and for him to create chaos on the basepaths.”
Johnson (24) enters his third season in a Canaries uniform, coming off of the best season of his career. The workhorse once again led the Birds bullpen in innings pitched (50), playing a huge role in the second half success of the club. Christian finished 2023 with 50 innings pitched, allowing 46 hits, just 19 walks, a 1.30 WHIP, and punching out 46 batters.
“CJ has been an incredibly important piece to our bullpen over the past two seasons,” says Meyer. “He has continued to improve each month, and we once again expect him to take another leap as he enters his third season of professional baseball. His fastball has late life, and really sneaks up on batters, and his improved slider turned into a weapon last season.”
For more information on the latest news, 2024 schedule, corporate partnerships, and group outing information, contact the Canaries Front Office at (605)336-6060 or by visiting the official website at www.sfcanaries.com
