The San Diego Padres have confirmed the return of versatile infielder for the 2025 MLB season. The team announced on Friday that Wade has signed a $900,000 contract for 2025, which also includes a $1 million player option for the 2026 season. This move solidifies Wade’s place on the Padres’ roster, offering depth and flexibility for the upcoming campaign.
In the same announcement, the Padres revealed they would not tender contracts to outfielder Bryce Johnson, infielder Mason McCoy, and pitchers Logan Gillaspie and Luis Patiño, indicating some changes in their roster structure.
Wade reacted positively to the news, posting “LFGSD” with brown and yellow heart emojis on X (formerly Twitter). All-Star rookie center fielder Jackson Merrill also showed support, sharing an Instagram Story featuring himself and Wade with the caption, “TWADE LFG.”
Wade initially joined the Padres on a minor league deal in November 2023 but quickly proved his value. After making the Opening Day roster for the Seoul Series in South Korea, he established himself as a reliable utility player throughout the 2024 season. This marks the first time since his tenure with the New York Yankees (2017–2021) that Wade will spend multiple consecutive seasons with the same team. His career also included brief stints with the Los Angeles Angels and Oakland Athletics.
During the 2024 season, Wade appeared in 90 games and took 138 at-bats for the Padres. He began the season strongly, recording four hits and three runs in his first three games. Though his offensive production tapered off, finishing with a .217/.285/.239 slash line, 30 hits, 28 runs, and two RBIs, his defensive contributions were invaluable. Early in the season, Wade stepped up at third base, filling in for Manny Machado as he recovered from offseason elbow surgery and served as the team’s designated hitter.
Wade’s return provides the Padres with crucial roster flexibility, particularly in the event of injuries. His ability to play multiple infield positions makes him a valuable asset as the team aims to remain competitive in the 2025 season. If Wade performs well over the next one or two seasons, he could potentially secure a long-term future with the Padres.