Giants Deal Struggling LaMonte Wade Jr. to Angels in Trade

The Los Angeles Angels pulled off a pretty interesting move this past Sunday. They swung a trade with the San Francisco Giants to bring in veteran first baseman and outfielder LaMonte Wade Jr.

The deal includes cash considerations. The Giants get either cash or a player to be named later.

This isn’t just a routine roster shuffle. There’s a calculated risk for both teams, and a little family twist makes the whole thing a bit more intriguing.

Breaking Down the LaMonte Wade Jr. Trade

LaMonte Wade Jr. heads to the Angels after a rough season with the Giants. At 31, Wade struggled badly at the plate this year, managing just a .167 average with one home run and 15 RBIs.

His slump peaked during a 2-for-17 road trip, which led the Giants to designate him for assignment. Still, he hit .260 in 2022 and gained a reputation for clutch performances in San Francisco.

The Angels, looking for more depth, seem to hope Wade can rediscover his old form. These days, teams love players who can move around the field, and Wade’s ability to play first base and the outfield keeps him in the mix, even if his bat’s been quiet lately.

The Angels’ Perspective: A Strategic Acquisition

The Angels roster is a mix of young guys and seasoned vets, with first baseman Nolan Schanuel and a packed outfield group. Wade probably won’t jump into an everyday role, but he gives the team some insurance as they search for late-season steadiness.

Adding Wade shows the Angels aren’t afraid to take a chance to stay in the hunt. Injuries and cold streaks can wreck a team’s depth over a long season, so having options matters.

To make room for Wade on the 40-man roster, the Angels designated right-handed pitcher Michael Darrell-Hicks for assignment. This move signals the front office values offensive depth more than a marginal bullpen arm right now.

What the Giants Gain in Return

On the Giants’ side, they decided to move on from Wade to shake things up. The return isn’t splashy—just cash considerations or a player to be named later—but it frees up roster space for new possibilities.

This also feels like the team acknowledging Wade’s role had faded after his struggles at the plate.

A Familial Footnote: Minasian Brothers at the Helm

There’s a fun subplot here. Angels GM Perry Minasian and Giants GM Zack Minasian are brothers, so this trade has a little family flavor.

No one’s suggesting family ties drive these deals, but it’s a quirky detail in an otherwise businesslike move.

Why This Trade Matters

Midseason trades involving struggling players usually don’t make headlines. Still, the Angels picking up LaMonte Wade Jr. could shake things up for both clubs down the line.

For the Angels, Wade offers flexibility and maybe some hidden upside if he finds his swing again. The Giants get a chance to rework their roster and chase better results. Plus, the Minasian brothers’ collaboration gives fans a cool angle to watch.

The Case for Wade’s Rebound

Despite his 2023 slump, Wade’s knack for clutch hitting could make him a sneaky good pick-up for the Angels. He showed flashes of that with the Giants, so maybe there’s more to his game than his recent stats show.

If he can bounce back to his 2022 form, when he hit .260, the Angels will have added a solid bat without giving up much. In a league where depth is everything, grabbing a veteran with some grit feels like a smart play.

Final Thoughts

This trade probably won’t make huge waves across Major League Baseball. Still, it shows how the Angels and Giants juggle roster moves while chasing wins.

The Angels see LaMonte Wade Jr. as a low-risk shot that could pay off. For the Giants, letting go of Wade closes a chapter and maybe sparks something new.

Both teams keep tweaking and adjusting, always hunting for that edge. Will Wade shine in Anaheim, or will this move just fade into baseball’s background noise? Guess we’ll have to wait and see.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Giants trade struggling 1B/OF Wade to Angels