David Fletcher

David Owen Fletcher was born on May 31, 1994, in Orange, California. He attended Cypress High School, where his baseball abilities were recognized early, culminating in him being named CIF-SS Division 2 MVP in 2013 after batting .437. He then played college baseball at Loyola Marymount University for two seasons (2014-2015), earning First Team All-WCC honors twice and being named WCC Defensive Player of the Year in 2014. Fletcher was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the sixth round of the 2015 MLB First-Year Player Draft.

Fletcher began his professional career in the minor leagues in 2015 with the Orem Owlz, progressing through Single-A Burlington, Single-A Inland Empire, Double-A Arkansas, Double-A Mobile, and Triple-A Salt Lake. He made his MLB debut with the Los Angeles Angels on June 13, 2018, and quickly became known for his defensive versatility and contact-hitting approach. He consistently led the Angels in hits for multiple seasons and signed a five-year, $26 million extension with the team in 2021. Notable achievements include a 26-game hitting streak in 2021, the second-longest in Angels franchise history. He has played various infield and outfield positions, demonstrating his value as a utility player, and received the MLBPAA Angels Heart and Hustle Award in both 2019 and 2021.

In December 2023, Fletcher was traded to the Atlanta Braves. After a brief stint with the Braves’ major league team in April 2024, he was outrighted to Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers. During his time in the Braves’ minor league system, Fletcher began experimenting with pitching, particularly utilizing a knuckleball. He made his first professional start as a pitcher in May 2024, showcasing a new dimension to his athletic career. His involvement in the 2023 World Baseball Classic with Team Italy alongside his brother Dominic also highlights his international baseball experience.