In a somewhat unexpected move, the Los Angeles Angels acquired veteran first baseman and outfielder LaMonte Wade Jr. from the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations. The Giants are also sending cash to Anaheim in the deal, easing the financial impact. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Angels designated right-handed pitcher Michael Darrell-Hicks for assignment.
Wade, 31, had recently been designated for assignment by San Francisco after a disappointing start to the 2025 season in which he slashed just .167/.275/.271 over 50 games (59 wRC+). Though his .211 BABIP suggests some bad luck, Wade’s diminished power and below-average expected metrics (.287 xwOBA) ultimately led the Giants—currently in the thick of the Wild Card hunt—to move on in favor of veteran Dominic Smith.
Angels Add OF In Trade With Giants
Still, Wade’s longer track record offers reason for optimism. After debuting with Minnesota in 2019, the former ninth-round pick emerged as a key piece for the Giants following his 2021 trade, batting a combined .258/.376/.401 with a 120 OPS+ across 2023 and 2024 while primarily manning first base. His elite plate discipline remains intact: he ranks in the 99th percentile in chase rate and the 83rd percentile in walk rate (12.4%).
While Wade’s role in Anaheim isn’t entirely clear, his arrival could be linked to the uncertain status of designated hitter Jorge Soler, who is once again battling a nagging groin injury and could be headed for an IL stint. Mike Trout is nearing a return to the outfield, and Nolan Schanuel has been steady at first base with a .277 average, leaving Wade likely to serve in a depth or platoon role—providing veteran leadership and on-base reliability to support a young, evolving roster.
Whether Wade becomes a fixture or a short-term patch, the Angels are betting his plate skills and past production can spark value as they navigate injury woes and seek stability.