Former Tigers Outfielde Signs Minor-League Deal with Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals have signed former Detroit Tigers outfielder Ryan Vilade to a minor-league contract, the team announced on Tuesday.

Vilade, 25, spent most of the 2024 season with the Tigers’ Triple-A affiliate, the Toledo Mud Hens. He also had three brief stints with Detroit’s major league team, appearing in 17 games and recording a .178 batting average (8-for-45) with one home run.

Drafted in the second round (48th overall) by the Colorado Rockies in 2017 out of Stillwater High School in Oklahoma, Vilade made his MLB debut with the Rockies in 2021 at just 22 years old. In his debut season, he went hitless in seven plate appearances. After being claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates following the 2022 season, Vilade signed a minor-league deal with the Tigers ahead of 2024.

His second MLB debut came nearly three years after his first. In May 2024, Vilade joined the Tigers’ roster to replace center fielder Parker Meadows, who had been demoted. Vilade returned for two additional stints in July but did not stay with the team during the playoff push or make the postseason roster.

At Triple-A Toledo, Vilade put together a solid season. In 108 games, he posted a .278 batting average and a .795 OPS, tallying 24 doubles, 13 home runs, and 20 stolen bases. While primarily an outfielder, Vilade also has experience playing infield positions, adding versatility to his skill set.

The Tigers waived Vilade last month during postseason roster adjustments, paving the way for him to explore new opportunities. His signing with the Cardinals provides a fresh start and the chance to compete for a role within the organization.

With Vilade’s experience and versatility, the Cardinals will likely see him as valuable depth heading into the 2025 season.