MLB Trade News: Yankees Send Tyler Wade To Angels Despite Progress As Utility Player

KEY POINTS

The Yankees have opted to unload Tyler Wade to the Angels to create roster space
The timing of Wade's exit is a bit off, considering that he has been making progress
The Yankees could be preparing for a big push to acquire Matt Olson from the Athletics

The New York Yankees are expected to target several players in the offseason.

In what is possibly seen as a move to make room for new acquisitions, the Yankees traded utility player Tyler Wade to the Los Angeles Angels on Monday, November 22.

Wade was sent to the Angels in exchange for either cash considerations or a player to be named later.

The deal was announced not long after the 26-year-old was designated for assignment by the Yankees on Friday, November 26.

The Yankees needed to trade Wade who has turned 27 years old on Tuesday, Nov. 23.

Wade appeared for the Yankees in 103 games and had 145 plate appearances.

In addition, he is coming off a good 2021 MLB season, stepping up as New York had to deal with COVID-19 and player injuries.

The Angels acquire a versatile player who has played in different positions with the Yankees. He has played at second base, shortstop, third base, and all three outfield spots.

With the arrival of Wade, the Angels have now designated Kean Wong for assignment to make room.

Wong played in 32 games last season, hitting .167/.194/.233.

The Yankees kept the fate in Wade before deciding to deal him away. But in the eyes of pundits, the timing of his trade was a bit off considering that he appeared to be showing huge signs of improvement.

Wade made big strides in 2021 with the Yankees. He was pretty versatile on defense, speed on the base paths, and a lefty bat that was beginning to make heavier contact as the 2021 season progressed, Fansided suggested.

But despite the progress that Wade showed, the trade to the Angels may be part of an even bigger deal New York may be trying to whip up.

One of those targets could be Matt Olson of the Oakland Athletics.

As previously reported here on IBTimes, New York needs to offer a huge package to acquire Olson from the A’s.

The Athletics are trying to trim down their payroll, and dealing away the 27-year-old player makes sense.

Olson is projected to be worth $12 million if the Yankees pursue him.

As of this writing, no formal talks have begun on a potential deal for the two-time Golden Gloves winner.