Lamonte Wade -- Any believers he's more than a 4th OF?

[twins1095]

In parts of 2 seasons at AA Wade's been pretty consistently putting up some really impressive numbers--especially in terms of his ability to manage an at-bat, work deep into counts, draw walks, and make contact.  

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Offense

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In 150 games as the leadoff hitter during the previous 2 seasons at AA here are Wade's stats:

 

661 PA - 545 ABs - 160 hits

 

.294 avg - .398 obp - .810 ops

 

22 2B - 4 3B - 12 HRs

 

93 runs - 82 RBI - 13 SB

 

96 BB - 82 K

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Defense

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Speed (50) – Wade is an excellent athlete and has 55-60 grade top end speed, but he takes a few steps to get to that speed, meaning he’s likely not ever going to be a great base stealer, but he does very well on the bases taking an extra base once he’s at full speed.

 

Defense (55) – Wade has tremendous instincts in the outfield. That has allowed him to handle center field to this point in his minor league career, but he would likely be better suited in a corner spot, probably left field to suit his arm, and he could be an elite defender at that position with his instincts.

 

Arm (45) – While Wade’s arm is below-average in strength, his instincts on defense are not limited to just getting in position on the ball to make a catch. He also has great instincts at getting himself in position to be behind the ball and able to make an accurate throw, so while his arm isn’t the best, he does get himself into good position for throwing, which helps to cover it somewhat.

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Wade seems to project to be able to play all 3 OF positions defensively at an above-average to elite level.  While his lack of arm-strength will mean that in a perfect world he plays a CO spot, we've seen players like Ben Revere and Denard Span have pretty good success in CF despite a lack of arm.  The defensive versatility is nice and he's an extremely high IQ fielder with really good speed and defensive instincts with above average/to better than that  potential as a CO.  You can count on 1 hand the number of errors Wade has made over his minor league career.

 

Further, while he's never going to be a big base stealer, stealing bases is only one way of generating positive value on the bases.  Wade doesn't have a great couple of first two steps supposably, but he's a great baserunner who will be able to take extra bases and add value that way.  

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Wade project to be somewhere between average and elite defensively at all 3 OF positions and has speed to be able to generate positive value running the bases.  Offensively, he's got one of the best eyes seen in the Twins system in quite awhile.  At AA, Wade's 162 game pace is 104 BBs and a borderline .400 OBP.  

 

He doesn't have a ton of power by any means, but for a guy that gets on base does it really matter?  The most immediate comparisions of former Twins that I can think of compared to LaMonte Wade are Denard Span and Robbie Grossman.  Both have extremely good eyes and get on base a ton to make up for their lack of power.  Wade is much much better than Span thus far in his minor league career than Span was, although Span was younger. Although it's also fair to say that Span, especially early on, was a better MLB player than a minor league player.  

 

Neither player stole a ton of bases despite some speed although Span was probably faster, but Wade seems to have more power. Span struggled to hit the ball out of the infield.  

 

As a hitter Wade compares more similarly to Grossman seemingly in terms of offering a little bit more pop past the in field. 

 

Grossman's minor league slash line was .270/.380/.392/.772 compared to:

Wade's  minor league slash line is           .294/.398/.412/.810

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So Wade is a better hitting version of Grossman--especially average-wise--or at least projects to be.   He also might have a little bit more potential than Grossman to drive the ball--although it remains to be seen how that ability carries at the major league level.  

 

Approach at the plate, batter's eye, and BB/K%'s translate as nicely as any metric to the MLB from the minors.  If Wade can offer a 13-15% walk rate similar to Grossman in the majors and Wade's minor league track record that would put him near the top 10 in terms of BB%.  His minor league K% would put him near the top 10 in terms of least strikeout prone batters in the MLB.  

 

Wade might not be able to replicate those numbers that strongly, at least not right away, but he's definitely gonna be one of the hardest Twins hitters to get out easily and get on base as much as anyone not named Mauer on the team.  

 

Further, he's going to offer positive base-running value, speed, and OF defense.  Wade is old for AA at 24, but his slow progression through the minor leagues is towards no fault of his own--his numbers of basically held steady throughout each level of his minor league career.  Further a late start at rookie ball at 21 means he's a little bit older, but not because of a lack of minor league success.

 

Ceiling: Adam Eaton lite -- Adam Eaton's 162 game averages in his MLB career are .285-.360-.780 with 105 runs-  31 2B - 10 3B - 11 HR - 57 RBI - 17 SB.  

 

This line compares decently well to Wade's 162 game AA averages of .294-.398-.810 - 100 runs - 25 2B - 5 3B - 13 HR - 90 rbis - 15 SB

 

Eaton's numbers are anchored by a slow first two seasons and he's an even better player than that now.  I don't think Wade's hit tool is that good, but I think his eye could be better.   He might not get those kind of XBH totals, but I think he could have a higher OBP.  

 

Middle Projection :It really seems like Denard Span with a little bit less base-stealing ability and average, but more walks/obp and power is a pretty good comp for Lamonte Wade--this seems like a pretty realistic projection. 

 

Floor: A floor does seem to be a better defending, faster, Robbie Grossman--but a better defensive and faster Robbie Grossman probably isn't a 4th out fielder.  

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Guys like Lamonte Wade are the kind of guys that fall through the cracks because they don't do anything flashy, but are simply really good baseball players that take really good ABs, get on base a ton, and make a lot of positive impact plays.  It's not at all s

 

I think that while there's a chance he does top out as a 4th outfielder, those labels seem to limit a guy that is a relatively safe bet to be more than that.   His bat only needs to be Robert Grossman level's to really be a starting or borderline starting caliber player for some team with the baserunning and defensive value he provides.  I would argue there's a lot of reason to believe the bat is a notch above Grossman's which in my mind would make him pretty comfortably a major league caliber starter.  Even if his power numbers resemble Denard Span's that's a guy who can start for some teams.  

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Wade should definitely be promoted to AAA pronto, it's a little confusing why they are holding this guy back as they are.  Once Wade gets ABs and is successful at the AAA level, the Twins should look to call him up after the all-star break.  He's about as good of a backup OF as you can get with his ability to play solid to plus defense at all 3 positions, take consistent quality ABs, and get on base in bunches.  

 

Where Wade fits long term in an extremely crowded Twins OF it remains to be seen.  The Twins, understanding Buxton's durability issues, would really benefit from carrying a player in Wade's mold to spell all 3 OFs and to be able to step in if injuries happen.  Grossman for large stretches of these periods has played this role and gotten ABs because of his ability to take quality ABs and get on base.  Wade is Grossman, but in upgrade in just about every area.  Grossman has also played a decent chunk of games at DH over the previous two seasons.  You could DH Wade, but the better strategy would be to let Wade play 2,3, 4 games in the OF a week spelling one of the outfielders and moving them to DH or Buxton to the bench.  Wade is a defensive upgrade to both Kepler and Rosario.   Further, he adds speed and obp to a lineup that could benefit from a guy who can do both of those things.  

 

Regardless of how the Twins decide to get Wade involved in their lineup he'd be a perfect leadoff hitter, again on a team without a natural leadoff hitter.  Even if Wade is unable to replicate his minor league successfully, if he is able to hit .270-285 and get on base .370-.400 and provide plus defense he'd be a great piece added to the Twins roster that they don't currently have.  He's not a highly ranked prospect because this kind of production isn't sexy or flashy, but it's underratingly valuable.  Especially on a Twins team full of extra-base hit machines who are much more medoicre at getting on base at a high rate.

 

Imagine the amount of times him and Mauer would be on base at the top of the order for the run producers.   

 

I think there's a better chance that many Twins fans and people in the organization give credit for that Wade puts up these kind of numbers either for the Twins or another major league team.  I get the frustration by Twins management at the lack of big power or extra base hit numbers, but I'm not sure it's gonna matter with the kind of contact skills that Wade offers--the power would be nice...but there's value there regardless.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ashbury]

IMO he can be a league-average corner outfielder. Those are valuable to have.

 

He can fill in for the centerfielder but would be overmatched there as a starter. His modest power holds him back from being a truly elite bat at a corner or DH. On a contender this combination might relegate him to 4th outfielder duties, but that would be a nice luxury to have.

[ALessKosherScott]

Every decade or so a prospect like Ward turns into Matt Lawton. But more often than not they turn into Brent Brede. Throw in that he's a left-handed hitter coming into a park that kills left-handed power, and I'm not optimistic. At least if he remains a Twin.

[Mike Sixel]

I'm a huge believer....

[jkcarew]

Middle Projection :It really seems like Denard Span with a little bit less base-stealing ability and average, but more walks/obp and power is a pretty good comp for Lamonte Wade--this seems like a pretty realistic projection.

 

Except Span has been starting major league center fielder for the better part of 10 years...and I don't think Wade projects defensively as an everyday center fielder at the major league level.  That's the rub.

 

If his defense profiles in the corner (probably left field) only...then it comes down to fit.  If a team gets 'unexpected' power from somewhere other than the dh/corners, Wade could maybe provide obp and above average base running from a corner, batting toward the top of the order.  Otherwise, he's a good 4th guy.  (His minor-league splits are not atrocious.)

[2wins87]

I've definitely been cautiously optimistic for at least the last two years and I think the case for him is only getting stronger.

 

Carson Cistulli at Fangraphs has a regular Fringe Five feature which tends to be populated with guys that have strong statistical profiles but lack top prospect type tools.  Wade certainly fits this profile and has indeed been featured several times.  Earlier this year Cistulli checked up on the success of the 10 most frequently featured players from 2013 and 2014 and as a group their performance was somewhat similar to what you might expect from the group of guys ranked somewhere in the middle of the top 50 prospects in baseball.

 

There are sample size issues with Cistulli's group, but I think the overall point that it's definitely possible to identify guys who are more likely, based on their stats, to over-perform their scouting consensus seems valid.  Wade obviously isn't at Betts level in 2013, but I think there's some fair room for him to over-perform and eventually get more notice from scouts too.

 

I like to keep a kind of running prospect board for Twins prospects during the season and I have Wade ahead of Rooker at this point

[twins1095]

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wade offers a potential elite defensive OF

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I want to push back against the notion that Wade can't play CF.  He definitely can, he's a great defender who's only made 2 errors at the position in hundreds of games at the minor league level.  He's got great defensive instincts and is fast enough cover a ton of ground and can make every catch you want from your CF.  I would argue that his CF defense wouldn't be that unlike Denard Span's who's a great CF, but also deals with the shortfalls that come with having a weak arm.  Span has largely played CF because he's good enough to do it and because there is only a handful of times a season when Span's lack of arm strength compared to a CF with elite arm strength will hurt you.  Span has also rotated between OF spots at times, partly because of this very reason. 

 

It is true that ideally Wade plays LF, but in the same way that Brett Gardner plays LF.  Having a LF with Wade's type of instincts, speed, and defensive ability provides a lot of value.  Further, on this Twins team...pairing Wade and Buxton together in an OF would immediately make the Twins OF if not the best fielding OF in the league, arguably the best--both because of Wade's defensive ability and also by replacing Rosario's negative defensive value and moving him to DH.  This alone would have a cascading effect that helps out our pitchers and leads to lower runs against per game.  Wade in LF next to Buxton offers not just passable defense, but elite defense from a LF.  We've seen the way Buxton is able to generate value from the defensive side of the game...and obviously Buxton is much better and plays a much more important position, but the combination of defensive potential that those two would offer the team would be extremely positive.

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Wade has been a plus plus hitter at the minor league level

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Also in regards to a lack of power, it's true that Wade isn't going to hit a lot of HRs or even hit an elite amount of XBH's.  But we're talking about a guy with a career .820 OPS at the AA level and a wRC of 130. 

 

Wade may not be a power hitter, but he certainly is an extremely positive offensive producer.  While Wade isn't a huge basestealer, he's an extremely good baserunner and maximizes his value on that side of the game by using his speed to take extra bases leading to lots of runs.  In almost a full season at AA, Wade is going to score 100 runs.  While Wade may not by Buxton on the base paths, he is similar to a younger Brian Dozier.  A guy who was a really smart baserunner who was continually annoying opposing pitchers by looking for every opportunity to take extra bases, get good jumps, and steal bases when the opponent isn't watching closely.  Dozier was one of the best baserunners in the league not because of blazing speed, but because base running is a skill--a skill that Wade definitely has. 

 

Further, as a leadoff hitter Wade is on pace to drive in 90 runs at the AA level.  We're talking about a guy that is an extremely tough out and always puts the ball in play using all fields driving in runners in scoring positions.  It's not easy to drive in 90 runs from the leadoff position, especially when you aren't hitting a ton of XBH's or homeruns. 

 

But even when saying that, it's marginalizing Wade's ability to hit the ball.  We're not talking about Ben Revere here.  It's completely within Wade's abilities and track record, should he be able to translate his minor league numbers to the pros, to expect 25 doubles, 5 triples, and approaching 15 HRs.  While these aren't huge numbers in terms of driving the ball, Wade definitely can drive the ball and isn't purely a singles hitter who can't hit the ball out of the infield.  

 

The nice thing about Wade's offensive style is that there isn't anything about it that shouldn't translate to the majors.  Guys who have success at the minor league level without big power numbers and don't translate it to the majors are guys who's contact skills are not good enough to play against major league pitching.  Wade's best skill aside from his eye at the plate is his contact skills.  Striking out is more rare for him than Joe Mauer striking out.  He's gonna put the ball in play and he's gonna not try and do too much with pitches if it isn't a pitch to try and do too much too.  While this leads to lots of singles and non-flashy hits it's also an easily repeatable skill, even against higher levels of competition.

 

If a hitter has an extremely good eye and command of the plate and works pitchers deep into counts by not swinging at pitches outside the zone and getting themselves out or guessing and making weak contact against a pitch, rarely swings and misses and has an elite hand-eye coordination ability to put the bat on the ball, and doesn't try and do too much with pitches taking what the pitcher gives him...it doesnt matter what kind of stuff a pitcher has (to a degree).  

 

Further, Wade can drive the ball a little bit...it's not the cruxt of his game, but not a non-factor in his game.  If pitchers make a mistake Wade can make them pay.  He's not a speedy slap hitter beating out infield singles and hitting flares into the shallow OF.  

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Hitters Wade compares too 

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Hitters at the major league level that Wade's metrics compare most closely towards are guys like Buster Posey, Joe Mauer, DJ Lehmehaui, and Lorenzo Cain when trying to look for guys with a high obp, medium high avg, teen homeruns, and XBH's in the high 20/low 30 range (Looking at 2017's MLB stats)

 

Posey and Mauer are probably the closest comps.  While Posey offers more HR power and Mauer offers more doubles power...there are only a few guys that can match the kind of approach that Wade shows at the minor league level. 

 

There are only a handful of MLB players that have a BB% of 14+ and a K% of 14-15 or under.  These are guys like Bryce Harper, Denard Span, Joe Mauer, Joey Votto, Freddie Freeman, Trea Turner and only a handful of others.  Basically guys known as the hardest outs in the game.

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I wish I could make it clear how hard it is to be a below average pitcher if you've got this kind of approach at the plate, ability to get on base, ability to make contact and put the ball in play, and ability and willingness to use all fields.  Wade isn't just his ability to get on base a bunch by taking a ton of walks.  He's also a good hitter.  There are guys, like Grossman, that have this type of approach skill...but they aren't good hitters.  Needless to say, they get on base enough usually to make up for it...but Grossman's gonna struggle to hit .250 and when he does swing he's not a good enough hitter to make contact like Wade can...which is why Grossman's strikeout numbers are so high.  Wade's approach is great, but his ability with a bat is also good.  

 

Great defensive OF play and the potential runs that a Buxton/Wade duo will save, plus really good baserunning value (extra bases gained), plus elite ability to get on base, plus a solid ability to make contact and hit the ball to all fields and hit for average.  

 

Wade isn't the perfect player and there are things that he can't do.  In turn these are things that you are going to have to get from the rest of your lineup.  But there are a ton of things he can do that other hitters can't and a lot of teams are missing and could use in their lineups.

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Don't sleep on this guy Twins fans. 

 

[twins1095]

 

I've definitely been cautiously optimistic for at least the last two years and I think the case for him is only getting stronger.

 

Carson Cistulli at Fangraphs has a regular Fringe Five feature which tends to be populated with guys that have strong statistical profiles but lack top prospect type tools.  Wade certainly fits this profile and has indeed been featured several times.  Earlier this year Cistulli checked up on the success of the 10 most frequently featured players from 2013 and 2014 and as a group their performance was somewhat similar to what you might expect from the group of guys ranked somewhere in the middle of the top 50 prospects in baseball.

 

There are sample size issues with Cistulli's group, but I think the overall point that it's definitely possible to identify guys who are more likely, based on their stats, to over-perform their scouting consensus seems valid.  Wade obviously isn't at Betts level in 2013, but I think there's some fair room for him to over-perform and eventually get more notice from scouts too.

 

I like to keep a kind of running prospect board for Twins prospects during the season and I have Wade ahead of Rooker at this point.

 

 

 

 

 

Really good post.  I agree that Wade should be higher on current prospect boards.  My board is something like:

 

--Royce Lewis

--Fernando Romero

--Nick Gordon

--Graterol

--Stephen Gonsalves

--Alex Kirilloff

--Lamont Wade

 

My order starts to get a little bit muddier here, but the next group of guys I have is in some order that i could be convinced given the day:

 

--Wander Javier

--Brent Rooker

--Akil Badoo

--Blayne Enlow

--Lewin Diaz

--Lewis Thorpe

--Zack Littell

 

 

My thoughts get even muddier after that.

[ashbury]

Wade offers a potential elite defensive OF

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I want to push back against the notion that Wade can't play CF.  He definitely can, he's a great defender who's only made 2 errors at the position in hundreds of games at the minor league level.  He's got great defensive instincts and is fast enough cover a ton of ground and can make every catch you want from your CF.  I would argue that his CF defense wouldn't be that unlike Denard Span's who's a great CF, but also deals with the shortfalls that come with having a weak arm.  Span has largely played CF because he's good enough to do it and because there is only a handful of times a season when Span's lack of arm strength compared to a CF with elite arm strength will hurt you.  Span has also rotated between OF spots at times, partly because of this very reason.

In case it wasn't clear the first time, I like Wade. A lot.

 

But in your first post of this thread, this kind of sums it up: "Defense (55)".

 

That's basically an average defender. The scale goes up to 80. Hoping for a lot more than 55 is just that, hope.

 

That scouting summary number matches my ultra-small sample size observation in the Arizona Fall League. Errors aren't the way to rate an up-the-middle defender; it's range. Wade's is average, which won't cut it in the majors in CF except in a pinch. He's not fast enough to make every catch I want from my CF.

 

At a corner, he'll be an asset. He's no Robbie Grossman - not even close.

[mlhouse]

This guy should be the 4th OF right now.   He is already 24 years old since he was a college draft pick and the Twins are having him repeat AA despite the fact that he hit .292 there last year in a full season with a .397 OBP. 

 

That they are reluctant to send him up to AAA given that their OFs on the Rochester roster are Nick Buss (31 years old), Jake Cave, James Ramsey along with Zack Granite is a complete mystery.

 

Why we would have a guy like Cave in AAA and on the 40 man roster ahead of Wade is baffling given that Cave's AA stats don't come close to Wade's in any category.  Wade is a better OF, better OBP, more speed and power.  I get that Cave has the "advantage" (at least to the way our management thinks) of not being a Twins prospect and being released by another organization, but the fact that Wade should he ahead of him for promotion is an absolute no-brainer.

[twins1095]

 

In case it wasn't clear the first time, I like Wade. A lot.

 

But in your first post of this thread, this kind of sums it up: "Defense (55)".

 

That's basically an average defender. The scale goes up to 80. Hoping for a lot more than 55 is just that, hope.

 

That scouting summary number matches my ultra-small sample size observation in the Arizona Fall League. Errors aren't the way to rate an up-the-middle defender; it's range. Wade's is average, which won't cut it in the majors in CF except in a pinch. He's not fast enough to make every catch I want from my CF.

 

At a corner, he'll be an asset. He's no Robbie Grossman - not even close.

 

Defense (55) – Wade has tremendous instincts in the outfield. That has allowed him to handle center field to this point in his minor league career, but he would likely be better suited in a corner spot, probably left field to suit his arm, and he could be an elite defender at that position with his instincts.

 

You left out the last part of that scouting report.  He's a 55 OF when grading his ability to play center-field at the major league level given a below average arm and lack of true top-end speed.  Second, a 55 grade is solidly above average not basically average...but these are just numbers.  I think given his good defensive instincts, above average speed, and consistent minor league track record suggest that as a LF he's definitely closer to good than he is average.

[DocBauer]

I think Wade is the perfect 4th OF for this team. Not a star, but a guy who just does everything well and can fill all 3 spots and hit at different locations in the lineup, though the top two spots might be most appropriate. His hitting LH shouldn't be a concern as he seems to handle LH pitching well.

 

For whatever reason, I don't see Span. I keep thinking Matt Lawton with less power but better OB skills.

 

I believe, like Gordon, Wade began the year in AA to simply work on a few things. In his case, probably driving the ball better. I believe he and Gordon will be at Rochester by mid season at the latest.

[jorgenswest]

With more power, I think he can be a starting left fielder. Without it, I think he will be closer to Robbie Grossman. It is unlikely that he will be playing CF so he really needs a little more pop to have that LF role. My guess is that he and the Twins are working on developing that skill this year. They need to invest that time.

 

His one really good skill is his strike zone management. If he showed a lot of speed or had some power or showed elite athleticism, he would be on those prospect lists. I am concerned that LF has become his primary position at 24. I don’t see a plus defender in LF as he enters his prime.

[TheLeviathan]

I think if he hit right-handed he'd be up already.

[jkcarew]

I think Wade is the perfect 4th OF for this team. Not a star, but a guy who just does everything well and can fill all 3 spots and hit at different locations in the lineup, though the top two spots might be most appropriate. His hitting LH shouldn't be a concern as he seems to handle LH pitching well.

For whatever reason, I don't see Span. I keep thinking Matt Lawton with less power but better OB skills.

I believe, like Gordon, Wade began the year in AA to simply work on a few things. In his case, probably driving the ball better. I believe he and Gordon will be at Rochester by mid season at the latest.

I think Lawton would be considered a good comp for a ceiling. Lawton was a 2-time all-star, with nearly 1200 games started in his career...his power was in the 15-20 HR/year range and his OBP was actually very comparable to Wade’s in the minors (and well above average in the majors as well). Lawton could also steal bases, but his OF range was less than that of an every-day MLB center-fielder. His strong arm placed him in RF. If Wade were a “left-fielding” Matt Lawton, we would push for a starting role even with most good clubs.

[jokin]

 

Defense (55) – Wade has tremendous instincts in the outfield. That has allowed him to handle center field to this point in his minor league career, but he would likely be better suited in a corner spot, probably left field to suit his arm, and he could be an elite defender at that position with his instincts.

 

You left out the last part of that scouting report.  He's a 55 OF when grading his ability to play center-field at the major league level given a below average arm and lack of true top-end speed.  

 

With more power, I think he can be a starting left fielder.  I am concerned that LF has become his primary position at 24. I don’t see a plus defender in LF as he enters his prime.

 

 

Lots of good data on Wade, but when push comes to shove, any non-rosy scenario points to the most likely scenario is 4th OF/fringe LF starter on a few teams. I have yet to see any scouting reports that have raved with superlatives about Wade's OF defense. Once Brett Gardner or Alex Gordon's names were invoked as Wade ceiling touchstones, the evaluation becomes more and more about hope than likelihood.

 

I hope I'm wrong, but I'm with jorgenswest, I don't see an emerging plus defender in LF here- but there's nothing wrong with getting an immediate and intermediate upgrade over Grossman for both this year and the next couple of seasons. 

[Mike Sixel]

Lots of good data on Wade, but when push comes to shove, any non-rosy scenario points to the most likely scenario is 4th OF/fringe LF starter on a few teams. I have yet to see any scouting reports that have raved with superlatives about Wade's OF defense. Once Brett Gardner or Alex Gordon's names were invoked as Wade ceiling touchstones, the evaluation becomes more and more about hope than likelihood.

 

I hope I'm wrong, but I'm with jorgenswest, I don't see an emerging plus defender in LF here- but there's nothing wrong with getting an immediate and intermediate upgrade over Grossman for both this year and the next couple of seasons.

isn't that true of most minor league players? This guy has a pretty good floor, and a decent ceiling. But, I'm pretty sure I've beaten this horse to dust by now, and clearly the front office doesn't agree .

[Rosterman]

I was hoping he'd get a chance to open at AAA in 2018, but the Twins filled the roster with other (Cave, LaMarre, Buss, Ramsay) and they have Granite, who could be bypassed by Wade, but should've been in the major league outfield instead of Grossman at this point in time.

 

Can you NOT have the 4th outfieledr be a system guy? DO you need to go (and stay) outside to fill this role?

[diehardtwinsfan]

Believer? Yes.

 

Wade is an above average defender in the corner. I haven't heard anything good about his defense in center (not bad either), so I'm guessing average, and with that bat, it would play. As a 4th OF, he's definitely a good one to have as he can spell any position and only degrade the defense in CF. He's a different type of bat (more Mauer like in that regard), but in terms of putting together good, professional at bats, he can do it.

 

I think he will eventually replace Grossman, giving a similar bat with better defense. I don't think he's ready for that now, but I do think he should be in AAA sooner than later. 

[howieramone2]

Fourth outfielders w/o power are a dime a dozen. I've read several times, they feel he may develop power. Let him develop it if he can at AA. Grossman is a board scapegoat, but will continue to give us solid years, until he inevitable gets beat out in ST at some point in time. He's no worse than most fourth outfielders and has never been the reason we weren't winning.

[Thrylos]

I had Wade ranked 22nd in my Twins' offseason prospect list with a 2018 ETA.  Here is my summary on him, his potential and his ranking:

 

Wade has quick wrists, excellent eye, decent power and speed.  He can play all 3 outfield positions with Left and Center being his best as a defender.  He is hitting equally well left hand (.794 OPS in AA) nad right hand pitching (.809 OPS in AA.)   With Buxton and Granite ahead of him at the majors, Wade might potentially move to a corner spot.  There has been some discussion on moving him to second base; however throwing left-handed might put an end to that thought.  Wade was invited to the Twins' major league camp this Spring. With Buxton, Rosario, Kepler, Grossman, and Granite in the majors, and with several outfield prospects ranked higher than him with an ETA of 2020 [Note: That would be Lewis, Rooker, Baddoo, Kirilloff, and Arias; with all but Rooker at 2020 ETA] , Wade might serve as trade bait for the Twins.  The concussion is worrisome, as is, but to a lesser degree, his drop of performance in the AFL, and part of the reason that Wade is ranked here.  The other part is that the Twins 2018 system is better than the 2017.

 

I still stand by this.  Once you have Rosario and Kepler as lefties, Wade is behind them.  He is also behind Granite who brings a different toolset on the table (plus defense, plus velocity) than Wade and is better fit for a 4th OF.  Add to that the fact that Rooker might be as close as Wade and he is someone that the Twins need more than Wade (power Righty bat), add the fact that there are a whole bunch of prospect better than Wade coming behind him, and really there is not much room in the organization for him.  Oh.  Not to mention that his teammate, Zander Wiel, who is a righty is probably ahead of Wade, since the above was written, based on his performance....

[Shane Wahl]

198 walks, 165 strikeouts. Yes, I am a believer. The power has jumped this year too. He is ready for a promotion to AAA now. 

[ashbury]

198 walks, 165 strikeouts. Yes, I am a believer. The power has jumped this year too. He is ready for a promotion to AAA now. 

I'd hold off until he's back from his current injury.

[Doctor Wu]

This article helped me learn much more about Wade and his potential. Thanks for writing that. Also intrigued by some of the player comparisons. If he can end up playing anywhere near the mode of a Matt Lawton or Denard Span, that ain't so bad! One question: With such good speed on the base paths, what is the reason for his "slow" first couple of steps and lack of base-stealing ability? Can that be fixed by better technique or coaching tips? Or will he always be a slow "out-of-the-gate" runner?

[Rosterman]

Considering that the Twins do have to make decisions on ALL three of their outfielders, and people like Wade (and Granite) could psh someone away if they become too expensive in future sightlines for equal productivity, yes, he could be more than a fourth. You might have to add him to the 40-man next season, but really don't have to worry about playing him until 2020, if you wish, which means you have six years of control.

 

But then, who is pushing him in the lower minors?