Wade no longer! New York Yankees prospect Tyler Wade’s strong spring has earned him a spot on the Opening Day roster, as announced Tuesday afternoon.
The Neil Walker signing certainly didn’t slow Tyler Wade down. The New York Yankees have spoken so highly of Wade this spring and it seems like all that hard work has paid off.
Manager Aaron Boone broke the news to reporters on Tuesday afternoon after the Yankees’ 8-3 loss in Lakeland against the Detroit Tigers.
Boone tells reporters Tyler Wade will be on the Opening Day roster. Guessing he splits time at 2B w/ Neil Walker and that he'll back up SS and that he'll be the emergency OF and water is wet.
— Brendan Kuty (@BrendanKutyNJ) March 20, 2018
First of all, congratulations are in order for Wade! As spring training started, he was flying under the radar, with all the attention focused on Gleyber Torres for the starting spot at second base.
Second, despite his struggles in the past (.155 BA with the major league club in 30 games last season), the Yankees stuck with Wade and it is paying off. Will that strong spring carry over into the regular season? I guess we’ll have to wait and see.
Wade has posted a .316/.438/.447 line this spring and despite having no home runs, Wade has three doubles and two stolen bases, constantly showing off his sweet stroke and insane speed.
Even Tuesday afternoon, prior to his roster announcement, Wade put on a clinic against the Tigers. Wade went 2-for-3 on the afternoon with a triple and a run scored.
Besides his impressive performance at the plate, he has also put on a show in the infield. His versatility was already praised by Willie Randolph but seeing him on the field is something else. Wade looked like he was injured early on this spring but he’s come back stronger than ever, making diving stops and incredible throws from second.
Despite only getting 30 games last season, it seems like we’ll be seeing a whole lot more of his skill this season.
The likely scenario will be that Wade will platoon with Neil Walker at second and serve as a back-up for a few other infield positions, as well as the outfield if injuries befall the crowded outfield.
Congratulations to Tyler Wade! We look forward to seeing you out on the field Opening Day.