Tyler Wade should enter the Yankees third base equation

With rumors galore as to who the Yankees should trade for to potentially replace Chase Headley at third base, the one name not being mentioned that probably should is Tyler Wade.

The corner infield positions are supposed to offer your lineup consistent production — especially when it comes to offensive output. For the 2017 Yankees, it has been anything but.

In all fairness, Chase Headley has been much better during the month of June than he was all of May. In his past 11 games, the 10-year vet has shown signs of life with a .342/.458/.474 line, one home run and six RBI.

In the past, when rumors began to swirl about possible internal options to replace the 33-year-old incumbent third baseman with, Headley, in turn, rises to the occasion. Remember the great Ronald Torreyes debate of 2016? Perhaps this is more of the same.

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But with the devastating news that Gleyber Torres will miss the remainder of the season with a torn UCL in his left elbow — there doesn’t appear to be a clear-cut solution to immediately replace Headley if he reverts back to his form in May.

Or so social media would like you to think.

Enter the Yankees’ No. 11 prospect, Tyler Wade. A shortstop by trade, the organization has been grooming the 22-year-old left-handed hitter to become its super-utility man.

In 60 games this season, Wade has excelled at the plate, slashing .322/.386/.462 with 16 doubles, three triples, five home runs, 24 RBI and 20 stolen bases.

When recently asked on the Michael Kay Show as to whom the Yankees would potentially call-up to replace a struggling infielder, general manager Brian Cashman was definitive in his answer.

"“I’ll tell you right now, Tyler Wade has been the best productive infielder who’s capable of playing third base off that Scranton roster,” Cashman continued. “I think if we had to make a move, a necessary move to fix a problem on the infield side, Tyler Wade would be the first guy getting the call.”"

For those quick to point out that Wade has only made 11 career starts at the hot corner in his Minor League career, I implore you to watch some of his YouTube highlights. Look how smooth he is — the routes he takes to ground balls — the arm impressive strength. Then watch Headley and the 11 errors he’s made this season — which is one more than he made all of 2016.

My point is that the kid can handle the position if given the opportunity. Though Torreyes would likely receive the first chance should something drastic happen to Headley, Wade’s ascension to the big leagues makes the most sense.

Instead of trading for a stop-gap option until Torres is ready to return to action sometime next Spring, utilize what you have. Perhaps Wade is the next Ben Zobrist. Or worse, Rob Refsnyder. But we won’t know unless Wade is given a chance, which will be dictated by Headley’s continued performance.

Yankees Rumors: Mike Moustakas or Howie Kendrick to the Bronx?

With each passing game, third base for the Yankees becomes and ever increasing black hole. Because of that, rumors get wildly thrown around.

Either way, Wade looks to have a bright future with the organization. So put him on the 40-man roster, drop Refsnyder and treat this “rebuilding year” like it actually is. Being tied for first place with the Red Sox at this stage in the season is just the cherry on top of the sundae.