Breaking News: Giants officially cut ties with longtime fan favorite, sending the first baseman to Angels

The San Francisco Giants officially moved on from longtime fan favorite on Sunday, trading the struggling first baseman and cash considerations to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for a player to be named later or additional cash. The deal came shortly after Wade was designated for assignment and just hours after the Giants wrapped up a sweep of the Atlanta Braves.

This marks the first trade between Giants GM Zack Minasian and his brother, Angels GM Perry Minasian. It also brings an end to Wade’s four-year stint in San Francisco. Nicknamed “Late Night LaMonte” for his clutch moments during the 2021 season, Wade became a key part of the Giants’ roster, shifting from the outfield to first base and compiling a .258/.376/.401 slash line over the 2023 and 2024 seasons.

 

 

However, the 31-year-old struggled mightily this year, batting just .167 with a .275 OBP, one home run, and a 59 wRC+ across 50 games. While his low .211 BABIP hinted at some poor luck, the drop-off in both power and consistency proved too significant. With the Giants battling for a Wild Card spot, the front office opted to move forward with veteran Dominic Smith and recent addition Daniel Johnson.

Giants’ ‘Late Night LaMonte’ seeks a fresh start with the Angels

“Sometimes you just run out of time to figure things out,” manager Bob Melvin said earlier this week about Wade’s DFA. “We still believe in LaMonte’s talent, but we’re focused on winning now.”

For the Angels, acquiring Wade is a low-risk move with potential upside. Despite his overall struggles this season, he continues to show strong plate discipline—his 12.4% walk rate and 20.7% strikeout rate remain in line with his career numbers. As a left-handed hitter, he could bring balance to a lineup that skews heavily right-handed, particularly against right-handed pitching.

 

 

Notably, the Angels identified Wade as an outfielder in their official announcement, hinting he might return to his original position. With mounting injuries and questions surrounding Jorge Soler’s groin, Wade could see time in the corner outfield or be used as a lefty DH option.

To make room, the Angels removed right-hander Michael Darrell-Hicks from their 40-man roster. The 27-year-old pitched in six games this year but posted a rough 9.39 ERA over 7 2/3 innings. He’s now a candidate to be traded, waived, or outrighted.

Wade is making \$5 million this season and will become a free agent in the offseason. It’s unclear how much of his salary San Francisco will retain, but dealing him—without a guaranteed return—underscores the Giants’ shift toward performance and roster flexibility over sentiment. For Wade, it’s a fresh opportunity. For the Giants, it’s a reset at first base as they gear up for a playoff push.