The New York Yankees shored up their organizational depth by acquiring longtime friend Tyler Wade, drafted by the organization in 2013 and a member of the Los Angeles Angels until today.
They will send the Angels either a player to be named later and/or cash considerations, so the acquisition cost isn’t terribly high.
In exchange, the Yankees are getting an offensively-challenged player, but with great speed, defense, and versatility.
Yankee’s general manager Brian Cashman provided his first impressions about the trade in a conversation with MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch.
“Tyler Wade makes the #Yankees ‘a better team today than we were yesterday,’ Brian Cashman said, noting the depth and multi-position capability he provides. Wade will report to @swbrailriders,” Hoch said via Twitter, quoting the Yanks’ executive.
Tyler Wade makes the #Yankees “a better team today than we were yesterday,” Brian Cashman said, noting the depth and multi-position capability he provides. Wade will report to @swbrailriders.
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) July 14, 2022
A Versatile Player With A Limited Ceiling
The Yankees love Wade’s ability to play several positions: he is capable of covering second base, shortstop, third base, and all three outfield spots.
His offense is limited, however.
In 2022, he is slashing .218/.272/.272 with a home run in 163 plate appearances.
His career numbers aren’t much better: he has hit .214/.291/.298 with seven round-trippers in 654 plate appearances.
He does have 38 stolen bases in his six-year MLB tenure so far, and has been used in the past as a stolen base threat.
The Yankees have precious few infielders capable of playing a capable shortstop (Gleyber Torres is clearly not suited to the position), so perhaps they will use him there in a part-time role if he earns his way back to the Bronx, given how bad the incumbent starter, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, is with the bat.
In any case, the Yankees have a fast runner and a good, versatile defender for a cheap price.
