Ex-Yankees Utility Man DFA'd By Athletics; Could Third Stint In New York Be In Works?

Would it make sense for the Yankees to look into a reunion?

Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

One former member of the New York Yankees is looking for a new home.

Former Yankees utility man Tyler Wade was designated for assignment by the Oakland Athletics on Thursday afternoon to open up a roster spot for right-handed pitcher Zach Neal, according to the club. 

Wade was drafted in the fourth round of the 2013 MLB June Amateur Draft and made his professional debut in the Gulf Coast League in the same season. The utility man worked his way up the New York farm system and eventually made his big league debut during the 2017 campaign. Wade spent parts of five seasons in New York before being designated for assignment during the 2021 campaign. 

Surprisingly, the 2021 season also was Wade's best big league campaign to date. In 2021, Wade appeared in a career-high 103 games and slashed .268/.354/.323 to go along with 17 stolen bases while seeing time at second base, shortstop, third base, left field, center field, right field, and as the club's designated hitter. 

Wade latched on with the Los Angeles Angels in 2022 but was designated for assignment and traded back to the Yankees but didn't make his way back to the big league club. The 28-year-old joined the Athletics on a minor league deal ahead of the 2023 season and in 26 games at the big league level slashed .255/.309/.314. At this point, it wouldn't be too surprising to see a reunion back with the Yankees. New York could use more offensive depth and Wade already has had two stints in the organization. 

Now that Wade has been designated for assignment clubs will have one week to claim him off waivers. If a team does so, they would immediately need to add Wade to the 40-man roster. If no team claims him, he can opt for free agency and sign elsewhere. Hopefully, he can get another opportunity shortly.