Grading the LA Angels’ pre-MLB lockout signings

Tyler Wade - Three years of team control/~$750,000 for 2022

The first and so far only trade acquisition (for a player to be named later) made by the Angels this offseason, Tyler Wade looks to be a solid, but still below average, depth piece for a team in desperate need of help off the bench. 

Still on his rookie contract and only now in his first year of arbitration, Wade is a clear upgrade over the likes of Kean Wong, Luis Rengifo and Phil Gosselin. 

Capable of playing both the infield and outfield, Wade has shown some serious talent with the glove, albeit with some glaring inconsistencies from year to year. 2021 was actually the first time in his career that he put up a positive DRS (4) in the outfield, but it also happened to be the first time since his rookie season that he had a negative DRS (-9) in the infield.

As a batter, Wade is pretty lackluster (career .605 OPS and 68 wRC+), though, he is notably coming off his best season yet. In 2021 he had a career-high .268 BA and 92 wRC+, while also stealing 17 bases in 23 attempts. For an Angels team that is pretty middling speed wise, Wade’s baserunning skills are a welcome addition.

Whether or not he can finally put it all together in 2022 remains to be seen.

Grade: C