Former Detroit Tigers utility player was claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday, coinciding with the Reds’ visit to Comerica Park for a three-game series.
The Reds picked up the 26-year-old right-handed hitter after he was designated for assignment by the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday. He had appeared in seven major league games with St. Louis after signing a minor league deal last November.
Earlier in 2024,He was with the Tigers on a minor league contract. Detroit added him to the big-league roster in May, and he made his first MLB start in nearly three years on May 7 against Cleveland.
In his two major league stints this season, He posted a modest .178/.208/.244 batting line with one home run and five RBIs over 17 games.
Originally a second-round draft pick in 2017 out of Stillwater High School (Oklahoma), Vilade was removed from the 40-man roster and outrighted to Triple-A at the end of the season. He opted for free agency and later signed with St. Louis.
Before joining the Tigers, Vilade played for the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Triple-A affiliate in 2023 after being claimed off waivers.
Drafted by the Colorado Rockies, Vilade made his MLB debut with them in a three-game stretch in September 2021. However, he never established himself with Colorado and began seeking opportunities elsewhere.
Despite not securing a long-term MLB role, Vilade’s solid Triple-A performance — a .272/.353/.406 career slash line — continues to earn him chances.
Now with the Reds, Vilade has been optioned to Triple-A and will look to make a case for a return to the majors. He brings experience at every position except pitcher and catcher.
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