News - LaMonte Wade Jr. Returns to White Sox on Minor League Deal

In a strategic move, the Chicago White Sox have re-signed veteran first baseman LaMonte Wade Jr. to a minor league contract, assigning him to their Triple-A affiliate, the Charlotte Knights. Wade, who had been released after Spring Training, is set to join the Knights for their season opener, providing experienced depth within the organization. Wade has been a notable figure in Major League Baseball for parts of seven seasons, predominantly serving as the San Francisco Giants' primary first baseman against right-handed pitchers in recent years. His performance peaked in the 2024 season, boasting a commendable .260/.380/.381 batting line across 401 plate appearances. Over the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Wade maintained exceptional on-base percentage metrics, hitting .258/.376/.401, and ranking 11th among hitters with more than 800 plate appearances for on-base percentage. However, Wade's 2025 season was challenging, with his performance dipping dramatically. Managing only a .167 batting average and a .275 on-base percentage over 50 games with the Giants, he encountered significant struggles at the plate. With San Francisco acquiring Rafael Devers and signing Dominic Smith, Wade faced a roster squeeze and was designated for assignment as Smith was onboarded. The Los Angeles Angels saw potential in Wade, acquiring him during the designation period. Nonetheless, in 30 games, Wade couldn’t find his previous form, concluding with a .169/.260/.215 line before being released in August. His overall 2025 stats stood at .167/.271/.254 from 242 plate appearances. Despite these setbacks, Wade showcased his skills during Spring Training, hitting three homers and securing nine walks amidst 49 plate appearances, striking out only 10 times. With Munetaka Murakami positioned as the White Sox's prospective main first baseman, Wade’s experience and performance provide a valuable resource, albeit starting the season in Triple-A whilst the Sox assess their options.