One day after the Yankees announced they had traded Tyler Wade to the Los Angeles Angels, the infielder took to social media, penning a heartfelt goodbye to the organization that he's called home for nearly a decade."I cant thank the fans enough for embracing me and making me feel apart of the city," . "You guys raised me and made me feel like family."Let's be honest, though. There hasn't always been love and affection flowing from Yankees fans in Wade's direction over the years.Since Wade made his MLB debut back in 2017, a significant portion of New York's rabid fan base has consistently criticized the speedster, calling for his removal while pointing out his shortcomings.Until 2021, Wade hadn't played in more than 52 games in a single season. He frequently occupied a Larry Centers Jersey spot on the big-league roster, used sparingly but often in the most important circumstances (like pinch-running or coming on as a defensive replacement late in ballgames).That in mind, countle s fans rejoiced this week, seeing Wade's departure finally come to fruition. Others pondered why New York elected to part ways with their most versatile a set, reflecting on what his absence will mean for the Yankees' unathletic roster.So, as Wade packs his bags for a fresh start in Anaheim, let's break down whether or not the Yankees made a mistake trading away Tyler Wade.New York is better without Wade and this trade should've happened years agoIf that sentence got you zoomed up, thinking of uncompetitive at-bats, booted grounders and mistakes on the base paths, you're not alone.Wade finished his five-year stint in pinstripes slashing .212/.298/.307 with six home runs and 129 strikeouts over 264 games. Take away 2021a year full of career highs for Wadeand those numbers are even worse.Sure, Wade wasn't on the Yankees to hit for power or stuff the stat sheet with dynamic performances. His job was to provide depth and sprinkle speed and athleticism onto a roster that doesn't exactly excel on defense and relies heavily on the home run ball.But beyond an occasional stolen base or a few innings on defense here and there, Wade was taking up a roster spot. That's the very reason New York cut ties with Wade in the first place, making spaceon the 40-man rosterto protect a prospect from the Rule 5 Draft.READ: With a handful of infielders inching closer to the big leagues in the farm systemnamely Anthony Volpe and Oswald Peraza,two of the Yankees' top three Arizona Cardinals Accessories prospectsWade's days in pinstripes were already numbered, realistically. He isn't getting any youngerWade turned 27 on Tuesdayand the presence (and upside) of those prospects makes a bench piece like Wade expendable.Another prospect, Oswaldo Cabrera, is even closer to making it to the big leagues (and was added to the 40-man roster just a few days ago, corresponding to when the Yankees designated Wade for a signment). Reaching Triple-A last year, Cabrera can play third, short and second, he's a switch-hitter, steals bases and has some pop.Getting rid of Wade makes room for new faces in the Bronx, ensuring their potentialwhich in all likelihood exceeds what Wade Justin Pugh Jersey has done in pinstripesisn't blocked. Heck, maybe this is the year where Estevan Florial finally has a full-time role in the big leagues, a left-handed bat with speed just like Wade.Besides, New York is planning to sign a shortstop this offseason regardle s. With Gio Urshela proving he can fill in at short in a pinch, moving Gleyber Torres over to second, the need for Wade defensively has decreased. DJ LeMahieu can satisfy New York's infield depth and the return of Aaron Hicks in center field le sens a need for Wade in the outfield as well.Scroll to ContinueWe're talking about a player that barreled up at the plate all season in 2021, per Statcast. He also contributed minus-5 at shortstop and minus-4 DRS at second base, a liability on both sides of the ball.New York can seek out a new utility man this offseason and at least they were able to Isaiah Simmons Jersey recoup some value for Wade, whether it turns out to be cash considerations or a player to be named later.Trading Wade was a mistake and New York will regret this decision in 2022 and beyondMaybe Wade didn't set the league on fire with his production, but his value was on full display this year.Wade led the team in steals (17), made a handful of game-winning plays on the bases as a pinch-runner and filled in formidably at almost every position acro s the diamond. No matter how you look at it, he influenced plenty of ballgames, appearing in 103 contests (ninth-most on the Yankees in 2021).His numbers on offense weren't great, but he took a step in the right direction this year, hitting .268 (a career high) with 31 runs scored and six extra base hits.In fact, there was a stretch this summer where Wade was legitimately one of New York's most consistent players on offense. In the month of August, Wade hit .457 (16-for-35) over 18 games (12 starts) with 10 runs scored, seven steals and four doubles.The Yankees went 15-3 in those 18 games.Obviously, that's a small sample size. Any player at this level can get hot. But that stretch in August was proof that with more opportunity, Wade was capable of producing respectable numbers. He said it himself."Just more opportunity. Obviously, seeing stuff fall, confidence, . I would just say being in the lineup more often and being in the flow of the game.It makes you wonder what Wade is capable of if he played everyday, or at least more often than he has in previous years.Even if Wade's contributions statistically were below league average, not every team has a player that's capable of serving in a super-utility role. New York is going to mi s Wade's elite speedthe Yankees as of now Rondale Moore T Shirts do not have a single speed threat on their big-league rosterand his undeniable defensive versatility.Factor in the departures of several bench playersAndrew Velazquez, Tim Locastro, Greg Allen, Clint Frazier and Rougned Odorand it makes you wonder what exactly New York is planning when it comes to their depth in 2022.Losing someone like Wade isn't going to have a significant impact on a team's pursuit of a title, but there will be moments throughout the season where manager Aaron Boone wishes he has Wade on his bench, eager to snap into action and make an impact, no matter when his number was called.MORE:
