Ex-Yankees Elite Prospect Lands Spring Training Invitation With Padres

One former member of the Yankees is looking to make it back to the big leagues

One former member of the New York Yankees is looking to work his way back up to the big leagues. 

Former Yankees elite prospect Tyler Wade signed a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres in November and was extended an invitation to Spring Training on Friday, according to the club.

"The San Diego Padres announced today they have extended Major League Spring Training invitations to 32 players," the club said. "(Right-handed pitchers) (12): Lake Bachar, Ryan Bergert, Drew Carlton, Yovanny Cruz, Matt Festa, Nick Hernandez, Kevin Kopps, Moises Lugo, Adam Mazur, Tommy Nance, Drew Thorpe, Nolan Watson. (Left-handed pitchers) (5): Daniel Camarena, Ryan Carpenter, Austin Krob, Jayvien Sandridge, Robby Snelling

"(Catchers) (3): Kevin Plawecki, Ethan Salas, Chandler Seagle. (Infielders) (6): Marcos Castañon, Mason McCoy, Jackson Merrill, Nate Mondou, Graham Pauley, Tyler Wade. (Outfielders) (6): Bryce Johnson, Jakob Marsee, Óscar Mercado, Calvin Mitchell, Tirso Ornelas, Robert Perez Jr."

Wade was selected in the fourth round of the 2013 Major League Baseball June Amateur Draft by the Yankees and eventually made his big league debut in 2017. He spent parts of five seasons in the Majors with the Yankees before being traded to the Los Angeles Angels in 2021. 

He was traded back to the Yankees in 2022 but didn't appear in a game at the big league level with the club. Wade signed a minor league deal with the Oakland Athletics ahead of the 2023 season and appeared in just 26 games. 

The 29-year-old has seen time at second base, shortstop, third base, left field, center field, and right field throughout his career and could provide veteran depth with big-league upside for San Diego.

It's unclear if he will make their big league roster, but it sounds like he may have a chance.