Brief Introduction of Ryan Vilade
Ryan James Vilade (born February 18, 1999) is an American professional baseball utility player for the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball (MLB). A versatile player with experience in both the infield and outfield, he has also played for the Colorado Rockies, Detroit Tigers, St. Louis Cardinals, and Cincinnati Reds. Vilade was recognized for his talent early on, earning the Oklahoma Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year award in his senior year of high school. He was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the second round of the 2017 MLB draft and has since been working to establish his career at the major league level. His journey is marked by his dedication to the sport, a strong family background in baseball, and his involvement in charitable work off the field.
Ryan Vilade Overview
| Full Name | Ryan James Vilade |
| Date of Birth | February 18, 1999 |
| Age | 27 years old |
| Birthplace | Grapevine, Texas, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Professional Baseball Utility Player |
| Famous For | Playing in Major League Baseball |
| Education | Stillwater High School |
| Marital Status | Information not publicly available |
| Spouse / Partner | Information not publicly available |
| Children | Information not publicly available |
| Net Worth | Information not disclosed |
Early Life and Education of Ryan Vilade
Ryan Vilade was born on February 18, 1999, in Grapevine, Texas, and was raised in Frisco, Texas. Immersed in the world of baseball from a very young age, his father, James Vilade, has had a long career as a baseball coach at both the professional and collegiate levels, including a tenure as an assistant coach at Oklahoma State University. Growing up, Ryan was often around the ballpark, even serving as a batboy and practicing with minor league players. He attended Frisco High School for his first three years. After his junior year in 2016, he showcased his power by winning the Home Run Derby at the Under Armour All-America Baseball Game at Wrigley Field. That same year, he was a member of the 18U United States national team. For his senior year, his family moved to Stillwater, Oklahoma, where he enrolled at Stillwater High School. His performance in his final year of high school was exceptional, as he batted .410 with seven home runs, earning him the prestigious title of Oklahoma Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year. He had committed to play college baseball at Oklahoma State University before deciding to enter the MLB draft.
Ryan Vilade Career
Early Career
The Colorado Rockies selected Ryan Vilade in the second round, with the 48th overall pick, in the 2017 Major League Baseball draft, signing him for a reported $1.4 million. He began his professional journey with the Grand Junction Rockies in the Rookie-level Pioneer League. He made an immediate impact, hitting a home run in his very first at-bat and earning a spot on the All-Star team for the league. In 2018, he advanced to the Asheville Tourists of the Single-A South Atlantic League. The following year, Vilade had a strong season with the Lancaster JetHawks in the High-A California League, where he batted .303 with 12 home runs and 71 RBIs. The 2020 minor league season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a year in which he was expected to continue his development and had started to add outfield positions to his defensive repertoire.
Breakthrough
Vilade’s breakthrough moment came in 2021. He started the season with the Albuquerque Isotopes, the Rockies’ Triple-A affiliate, where he transitioned to playing primarily in the outfield. His consistent performance at the plate, slashing .286/.339/.420 over 108 games, earned him a selection to the All-Star Futures Game at Coors Field. This recognition on a national stage highlighted his potential as a future major leaguer. The culmination of his hard work in the minor leagues came on September 18, 2021, when the Colorado Rockies selected his contract and promoted him to the major league roster. He made his MLB debut that same day against the Washington Nationals, starting in left field. This call-up represented a significant milestone in his professional career, marking his arrival at the highest level of baseball.
Major Achievements and Success
Throughout his career, Ryan Vilade has achieved several notable milestones. In his amateur days, he won a silver medal with the 15U United States national team and followed that up with a gold medal for the 18U team in 2017. His high school career was capped off with the prestigious 2017 Oklahoma Gatorade Player of the Year award. As a professional, his early success in the Pioneer League led to an All-Star selection in 2017. In 2019, he led all of minor league baseball with 13 sacrifice flies. A significant highlight was his selection to the 2021 All-Star Futures Game, a showcase for the best prospects in the minor leagues. After the 2021 season, he was also named to the Arizona Fall League’s Fall Stars Game. While still working to secure a permanent role in the majors, his journey has seen him play for multiple MLB teams, including the Colorado Rockies, Pittsburgh Pirates, Detroit Tigers, St. Louis Cardinals, and Cincinnati Reds.
Recent Work / Current Status
Ryan Vilade’s recent career has been characterized by moving between several organizations as he seeks a consistent major league opportunity. After his time with the Rockies, he was claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates in November 2022 and spent the 2023 season with their Triple-A affiliate. In November 2023, he signed with the Detroit Tigers and saw some major league action in 2024, where he recorded his first major league home run. Later in 2024, he signed a minor league contract with the St. Louis Cardinals and was eventually called up to their major league roster in May 2025 before being designated for assignment. The Cincinnati Reds claimed him off waivers in June 2025. In a recent move, on November 3, 2025, Vilade was acquired by the Tampa Bay Rays from the Reds in exchange for cash considerations, marking his sixth MLB organization. He made the Rays’ Opening Day roster for the subsequent season.
Ryan Vilade Awards and Achievements
- 2014 U-15 Baseball World Cup Silver Medalist
- 2016 Under Armour All-America Game Home Run Derby Champion
- 2017 Oklahoma Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year
- 2017 Pioneer League All-Star
- 2019 MiLB.com Organization All-Star
- 2021 All-Star Futures Game Selection
- 2021 Arizona Fall League Fall Stars Game Selection
- 2025 Keeper of The Game Award
Ryan Vilade Personal Life & Family
Ryan Vilade’s life has been deeply intertwined with baseball, largely due to his family’s involvement in the sport. His father, James Vilade, is a longtime baseball coach with experience in the minor leagues and as an assistant coach for the Oklahoma State Cowboys baseball team. His mother, Jennifer, is a special education teacher. This upbringing instilled in him a profound understanding and love for the game. Beyond baseball, Vilade is actively involved with the Keeper of the Game Foundation, an organization started by his father that supports children with special needs and disabilities by providing them with opportunities to experience the game of baseball. He often wears a bracelet for the foundation to remind himself of the kids he plays for. He has a brother named Trent and a sister named McKenzie. Vilade currently resides in Frisco, Texas.
Ryan Vilade Relationship Details
Information not publicly available
Ryan Vilade Net Worth and Income
Ryan Vilade’s exact net worth is not publicly available. His income has primarily been sourced from his professional baseball contracts. He received a signing bonus of $1.4 million from the Colorado Rockies after being drafted in 2017. His career earnings through his time in the major and minor leagues are estimated to be over $1.7 million. As he continues his career in Major League Baseball, his earnings will fluctuate based on his contracts and performance. Specific details regarding endorsements or other business ventures are not widely reported.
Ryan Vilade Physical Appearance
- Height: 6 feet 2 inches
- Weight: 226 lbs
- Eye Color: Information not publicly available
- Hair Color: Information not publicly available
Ryan Vilade Controversies
No major controversies reported.
Ryan Vilade Social Media Presence
- Instagram – @ryanvilade
- Twitter – @RyanVilade
- YouTube – Not publicly available
Interesting Facts about Ryan Vilade
- He grew up working as a batboy at Dr. Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, Texas.
- He won the Home Run Derby at the 2016 Under Armour All-America Game, beating out future MLB players like Jo Adell and Hunter Greene.
- He hit a home run in his very first professional at-bat with the Grand Junction Rockies.
- His father, James, founded the Keeper of the Game Foundation, which supports children with special needs through baseball.
- He is a versatile player, having started his professional career as a shortstop and third baseman before transitioning to the outfield and also playing first base.
Ryan Vilade Legacy and Influence
While Ryan Vilade’s major league career is still unfolding, his legacy is already being shaped by his perseverance and his contributions off the field. His journey through multiple MLB organizations demonstrates a relentless drive to compete at the highest level. His versatility as a player who can handle multiple positions adds significant value and showcases his adaptability. Perhaps more impactful is his influence through his family’s Keeper of the Game Foundation. By actively participating and promoting the foundation’s work, Vilade uses his platform as a professional athlete to bring joy and opportunity to children with special needs, sharing his love for baseball with a wider community. This commitment to service adds a significant and inspiring dimension to his career, influencing not just aspiring athletes but also demonstrating the importance of giving back.
Final Words about Ryan Vilade
Ryan Vilade’s biography is a testament to a life steeped in baseball, marked by early promise and a determined journey through the professional ranks. From being a high school standout and a top draft pick to navigating the challenges of establishing a foothold in Major League Baseball, his career reflects both talent and tenacity. His ability to adapt, moving from the infield to the outfield, speaks to his commitment to finding his place on a big-league roster. Beyond his on-field pursuits, Vilade’s dedication to his family’s charitable foundation highlights a character grounded in community and service. As he continues his career with the Tampa Bay Rays, Ryan Vilade’s story is one of a skilled player striving for success while simultaneously making a positive impact away from the diamond.