I saw Wade play both shortstop and center field in this three-game look, and he has the athletic ability to play both with a solid-average defensive grade. The overall tools and profile reminded me Ben Zobrist (UTIL, Cubs). Wade has the tools and actions to be an everyday major league middle infielder, and he was a steady presence at shortstop, making all the plays with consistency. He has soft, sure hands with smooth fielding actions and quick hands, and overall displayed above-average fielding abilities. Good first-step quickness with solid footwork and above-average range at shortstop. He has good instincts around the bag as well, with the ability with pivot and no issues in turning the double play. His arm was above average as well, with good carry and a quick release, and with the ability to throw from angles and when on the run. The athletic actions and ability he showed at the six-spot left no doubt in my mind he can be a solid second baseman as well, should the need arise with the big league club, and he’s played 52 innings over there already this season, as well as 38 games at second with Double-A Trenton last year.

At the plate, he has a loose swing with a quick bat, who needs to develop a better trigger with more rhythm, though he makes consistent contact and shows the ability to square-up balls. He projects to be an above-average hitter, though with little over-the-fence pop. He has some strength to his swing with below-average power to the pull side, and shows a solid approach at the plate with a good eye with ability to draw a walk (.308/.383/.343 slash line to-date, with just two home runs and twelve other extra-base hits). On the basepaths, he is a solid-average runner whose speed is better underway, and he is a plus basestealer with 27 stolen bases last year in Trenton, and 12 steals in 15 attempts for Scranton so far this year.

I like the way he plays the game – with intensity and with a high baseball IQ. Wade will be a valuable major league piece for a 25-man roster, with multi-faceted ability to move around the diamond either as a middle infielder or any spot in the outfield, whose ultimate home on the diamond will be based on club need. He projects as a Role 50 regular, who should arrive in the Bronx at some point this year.