The MLB trade deadline has passed, leaving a whirlwind of roster changes in its wake. New faces are settling into new teams, but for some, the price of progress was steep. Among the casualties are three former New York Yankees contributors—Tyler Wade, Ron Marinaccio, and Brooks Kriske—whose dreams of staying in the big leagues were abruptly cut short. As teams reshaped their rosters to accommodate blockbuster trades, these players found themselves on the chopping block. Here’s the dramatic story of their unexpected exits and the reasons behind them.
The San Diego Padres wasted no time reshaping their roster post-deadline, but it came at the expense of two ex-Yankees. Infielder Tyler Wade and reliever Ron Marinaccio were shown the door on Friday to make room for newcomers Freddy Fermin, Ramon Laureano, and Ryan O’Hearn.
Tyler Wade, a versatile 30-year-old infielder, was designated for assignment (DFA’d) for the second time this season. Drafted by the Yankees in the fourth round of the 2013 MLB Draft, Wade debuted in the Bronx in 2017 and spent five seasons with the team before a 2021 trade to the Los Angeles Angels. This year, he struggled in San Diego, hitting just .206 over 59 games. Last season, he appeared in 90 games for the Padres, posting a .217 average. According to MLB Trade Rumors, Wade now faces waivers, with a “decent chance” of clearing. If he does, he could opt for free agency—a path he declined earlier this year after being outrighted off the roster in spring training. With a crowded Padres depth chart, Wade might choose a fresh start elsewhere.
Ron Marinaccio, a 30-year-old right-handed pitcher from Toms River, New Jersey, was optioned to the minors. A 19th-round pick by the Yankees in 2017, Marinaccio shone in New York from 2022 to 2024, boasting a 3.22 ERA across 101 appearances. His time with the Padres was brief but effective, tossing 2 2/3 scoreless innings over two outings this season. Despite his solid track record, the Padres’ roster crunch left no room for him in the majors—for now.
Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs made their own tough call on Saturday, designating reliever Brooks Kriske for assignment to accommodate right-hander Michael Soroka, acquired in a deadline deal with the Washington Nationals. Kriske, a 31-year-old righty, was a sixth-round pick by the Yankees in 2016. He debuted in the Bronx in 2020 and saw action in 2021, but his time with New York was rocky, to say the least. Over 12 appearances, Kriske posted a staggering 15.09 ERA, surrendering 19 earned runs in just 11 1/3 innings. Despite this, he found redemption with the Cubs this year, throwing six shutout innings across four outings. Unfortunately, the Cubs’ need for roster space trumped his recent success.
The MLB trade deadline is a high-stakes chess game, where every move to strengthen a roster can spell the end for others. For Wade, Marinaccio, and Kriske, their ties to the Yankees couldn’t save them from the harsh realities of roster management. As teams like the Padres and Cubs gear up for the postseason push, these players face uncertain futures—whether it’s a shot at redemption through waivers, a minor-league assignment, or a new chapter elsewhere.
The stories of these ex-Yankees serve as a stark reminder: in the fast-paced world of Major League Baseball, even proven contributors can find themselves on the outside looking in when the trade deadline dust settles. Will they bounce back with new teams, or is this the end of their MLB journey? Only time will tell.