After nine seasons in the big leagues and a viral moment that made him a household name off the field, Tyler Wade is hanging up his cleats. The former New York Yankees utility man announced his retirement on social media Monday, closing the book on a career that spanned 506 major-league games and four organizations.
Wade, who once dated social media sensation Alix Earle, went the entire 2026 season without appearing in a game. In a heartfelt message posted to X, he thanked the Yankees, Padres, Athletics, and Angels for giving him a chance to live out his childhood dream.
A Dream Realized
"For as long as I can remember, all I ever wanted was to play in the Major Leagues," Wade wrote. "Now, 13 years later and after 9 years in the big leagues, it's time to move on."
Drafted by New York in the fourth round of the 2013 MLB Draft, Wade made his debut in 2017 and spent five seasons in pinstripes. He became a valuable Swiss Army knife for the Yankees, playing virtually every position except pitcher, catcher, and first base. His breakout came in 2021, when he hit .268 with 34 hits, 31 runs, and a team-leading 17 stolen bases while appearing at six different positions.
That versatility and speed made him a fan favorite in the Bronx, and his 2021 campaign remains the high-water mark of his career.
From the Diamond to the Headlines
Wade was traded to the Los Angeles Angels in November 2021 and hit .218 in 67 games the following season. But it was his brief relationship with Earle that thrust him into a different kind of spotlight. The two went on a few dates in 2022, and the pairing became a national talking point. They eventually split, with Earle later revealing on her podcast in 2023 that differences over her social media career contributed to the breakup.
Wade, meanwhile, kept grinding. He suited up for the Oakland Athletics in 2023 and the San Diego Padres from 2024 to 2025, endearing himself to fans in both cities. Over his career, he compiled 189 hits, 29 doubles, five triples, seven home runs, 60 RBIs, and 51 stolen bases, batting .216/.294/.284.
A Grateful Farewell
In his retirement message, Wade made sure to thank everyone who helped him along the way. "I want to thank the Yankees for taking a chance on an 18-year-old kid and giving me the opportunity to live out my dream of playing for the best franchise in all of sports," he wrote. He also expressed gratitude to the Padres organization and their fans, saying he "loved every minute" of his two years wearing the brown and gold, and acknowledged Anaheim and Oakland as huge parts of his journey.
To his teammates, he offered a final, poignant note: "I'm going to miss the grind, the clubhouse, the competition, and being in the jungle every day with the guys. Thank you, baseball. You have me more than I could have ever dreamed of!"
Wade's retirement adds him to a growing list of athletes stepping away from their sports this year, a trend that includes Nick Chubb's retirement and ongoing questions about Lonzo Ball's future. But for Wade, the decision comes after a full season away from the game he loved.
As he transitions to whatever comes next, Wade leaves behind a legacy of versatility, speed, and gratitude. From the bright lights of Yankee Stadium to the beaches of San Diego, he gave baseball everything he had — and baseball gave him memories to last a lifetime.
