Every year, for whatever reason, the odd man out of the
Yankees 25-man roster always seems to be Tyler Wade. Now, granted, Wade has not
done himself any favors offensively at the Major League level, but his defense
remains versatile and above league average at multiple positions. Versatility sometimes
isn’t enough, and it likely won’t be enough this year as well with the
additions of DJ LeMahieu, Troy Tulowitzki and others. Wade may find himself
either on the Yankees bench at the beginning of the 2019 season, or he may find
himself back at Triple-A with the Scranton RailRiders. Here’s to the former,
and not the latter, as we meet the man with a very active Instagram account,
Mr. Tyler Wade.
Tyler Wade, 24-years old, is listed as a right-handed
throwing and left-handed batting shortstop and second baseman but has the
ability to play all over the infield and all over the outfield as well,
including in center field. The only position that Wade hasn’t really played
professionally is the catcher and first base positions. Wade, listed at 6’1”
and just 185 lbs., has excelled at the Triple-A level only to struggle with the
bat at the Major League level for whatever reason.
Tyler Dean Wade was born on November 23, 1994 in Murrieta,
California where he attended Murrieta Valley High School. Wade had committed to
attending San Diego State University after his High School years were complete,
but the New York Yankees came calling in the fourth round of the 2013 MLB First
Year Players Draft. Wade ultimately decided to forego his commitment and signed
with the Yankees for a $371,300 signing bonus.
Wade spent the 2013-2015 seasons in the minor leagues with
New York, leading the Yankees to invite Wade to their spring training camp
before the 2016 season. Wade did not make the team out of spring and spent the
entire 2016 season down in Double-A with the Trenton Thunder. Wade was back in
Yankees camp in 2017 and was competing for a starting job after New York
learned that Didi Gregorius would start the season on the disabled list, but
ultimately began the season down in Triple-A with the RailRiders. Wade was
promoted to the big leagues on June 27, 2017 and was optioned and recalled
multiple times throughout the season. In 30 games with the Yankees, Wade
finished with a .155/.222/.224.
Wade was invited to camp with the Yankees once again in 2018,
and this time made the team on Opening Day wearing Chase Headley’s recently
vacated #12 jersey. Wade struggled with the Yankees out of the gate and was
optioned back to Triple-A on April 22, once again bouncing back and forth
between Scranton and the Yankees. Wade will look to make the team once again here
in 2019, but this time he will look to stick on the roster for much of the
season. Good luck Tyler!!
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Sorry for the Capatcha... Blame the Russians :)