Utilityman Tyler Wade is hanging up his spikes. The nine-year veteran announced his retirement on Instagram yesterday. Wade played for the Yankees, Angels, Athletics, and Padres during his big-league career. He spent this past season in the Rangers organization.
Wade was taken by the Yankees in the fourth round of the 2013 draft. He moved steadily through the system, reaching the majors for a brief stint in 2017. Wade would be on and off the big-league roster over the next four seasons. His most productive year came in 2021, when he appeared in a career-high 103 games. Wade hit .268 and stole 17 bases as a semi-regular that year.
After the 2021 season, Wade was bumped off New York’s roster. He was designated for assignment and traded to the Angels. Wade struggled in Los Angeles and was traded back to the Yankees that same season, but didn’t appear in the majors. He bounced to the A’s and Padres from there.
The 31-year-old Wade signed a minor league deal with the Rangers this winter. He posted a 53 wRC+ over 16 games at Triple-A Round Rock. Texas released him in mid-April.
Wade never made much of an impact at the plate (65 wRC+), but he offered good speed and ample defensive versatility. He finished his big-league career with 51 steals in 992 plate appearances. Wade spent time at every position except catcher and first base. He graded out as a decent defender at most spots, though his glove lagged at the end of his career.
We at MLBTR wish Wade the best in his future endeavors.
Photo courtesy of Allan Henry, Imagn Images
