Former Giants first baseman LaMonte Wade Jr. has faced a tough season. After struggling with San Francisco, he was designated for assignment and then traded to the Los Angeles Angels. Unfortunately, his performance didn’t improve there either, and he’s now back on the market.
The Angels released Wade over the weekend following his disappointing run with the team. It’s unfortunate to see him go through this rough patch, especially considering that just a year ago he was a reliable contributor for the Giants. In 2024, he posted a .260/.380/.381 slash line and was known for his sharp eye at the plate and consistent ability to get on base.
Former SF Giants player’s career in trouble after being released
That success hasn’t carried over into 2025. Wade never found his rhythm at the plate with the Giants this season, despite being given plenty of chances to break out of his extended slump. However, as the team’s performance declined, they could no longer justify keeping him on the roster.
Following his designation for assignment, the Giants and Angels agreed to a trade — notably the first deal between brothers Zack and Perry Minasian, GMs of the Giants and Angels respectively.
The move was meant to give Wade a fresh start, but it didn’t pan out. In 30 games with Los Angeles, he hit just .169/.260/.215 with one homer and three RBIs. Given those struggles, it wasn’t surprising that the Angels decided to let him go.
Now Wade finds himself in a difficult spot. After underperforming with two different teams this season, it’s unlikely many clubs will be eager to offer him a deal. If he wants to continue playing, he may need to settle for a minor league contract.
Although he’ll be a free agent after the season, it’s hard to see a team giving him a major league deal based on his 2025 output.
That said, Wade is only 31, so his career isn’t necessarily over. This season might just be an outlier. Perhaps next spring he’ll get a non-roster invite and play well enough to earn another shot at the majors.
Wade had a strong run with the Giants, and here’s hoping he can rediscover that form and get back to being the player fans remember from his San Francisco days.
Be the first to comment