The White Sox have signed LaMonte Wade Jr. to a minor league contract, according to Jon Heyman of The New York Post. Wade, a versatile player who can play first base and corner outfield, is a familiar face in the MLB, having participated in parts of seven seasons. His recent performance, however, has been less than stellar, prompting a change of scenery.
In 2024, Wade displayed above-average hitting skills, boasting a .260/.380/.381 slash line across 401 plate appearances. This was his second consecutive season with excellent on-base marks in a platoon role, showcasing his ability to adapt to different playing styles. However, last year, Wade's performance took a turn for the worse, as he hit a mere .167 with a .275 OBP over 50 games for the San Francisco Giants. The team's decision to trade for Rafael Devers and sign Dominic Smith to play first base led to Wade being designated for assignment.
The Los Angeles Angels, recognizing Wade's potential, acquired him in a small trade, giving him a chance to prove himself. Unfortunately, his time with the Angels was short-lived, as he appeared in only 30 games over two months, batting a disappointing .169/.260/.215. This led to his release in August, marking the end of a challenging season with a .167/.271/.254 slash line over 242 plate appearances.
Despite his recent struggles, the White Sox are taking a calculated risk by signing Wade to a minor league deal. They aim to assess his performance during the camp and determine if he can regain his form. With Munetaka Murakami already securing a spot at first base, and the designated hitter role likely shared between Kyle Teel and Edgar Quero, Wade's primary challenge will be to earn a spot as a left-handed bat on a bench that currently favors right-handed players. Additionally, the team is actively seeking an outfielder after trading Luis Robert Jr., creating a competitive environment for playing time in right field.
