Introduction
Tyler James Ladendorf (born March 7, 1988) is an American professional baseball second baseman for the Chicago Dogs of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Oakland Athletics.
Career
Minnesota Twins
Ladendorf was originally drafted out of Maine West High School in Des Plaines, Illinois, by the New York Yankees in the 34th round of the 2006 Major League Baseball Draft, but did not sign. A year later, San Francisco Giants drafted Ladendorf, again in the 34th round, and he again did not sign, opting instead to return to Howard College for another season. He signed with the Minnesota Twins after the club drafted him in the second round, #60 overall, in the 2008 Major League Baseball Draft.
The 21-year-old infielder began the 2009 season with the rookie-level Elizabethton Twins and batted .410 with four home runs and 17 runs batted in before earning a promotion to the class A Beloit Snappers.
Oakland Athletics
On July 31, 2009, he was traded to the Athletics for veteran shortstop Orlando Cabrera. He was batting .233 with four RBIs in 15 games with Beloit at the time of the trade.
The Athletics added Ladendorf to their 40-man roster on October 31, 2014. He made the Athletics' Opening Day roster in 2015. Ladendorf made his debut on April 8, and hit a triple in his first at bat. Ladendorf appeared in only 9 games in 2015. The following season, Ladendorf bounced between the AAA level and the majors, struggling to a .083 batting average in 50 plate appearances.
Chicago White Sox
On February 26, 2017, Ladendorf signed a minor league deal with the Chicago White Sox. He elected free agency on November 6, 2017.
Toronto Blue Jays
On April 6, 2018, Ladendorf signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Arizona Diamondbacks
On May 28, 2018, Ladendorf was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks. He elected free agency on November 3, 2018.
High Point Rockers
On April 4, 2019, Ladendorf signed with the High Point Rockers of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.
Tampa Bay Rays
On July 26, 2019, Ladendorf's contract was purchased by the Tampa Bay Rays and he was assigned to the Triple-A Durham Bulls. He was released on September 13, 2019.
High Point Rockers (second stint)
On September 14, 2019, Ladendorf re-signed with the High Point Rockers of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. He later re-signed for the 2020 season.
Chicago Dogs
On July 3, 2020, Ladendorf was traded to the Chicago Dogs of the American Association.