WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 24, 2022: A closeup of the San Francisco Giants logo on a hat during the seventh inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on April 24, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Chris Bernacchi/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
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The Chicago White Sox took a chance on a former San Francisco Giants first baseman earlier this season, hoping a change of scenery could help the veteran rediscover the form that once made him a productive everyday player.
Instead, his time with the organization proved short-lived.
The White Sox released LaMonte Wade Jr. from his minor-league contract earlier this week, allowing the five-year Giants veteran to test free agency after a difficult stretch in both the majors and minors. The move gives him an opportunity to search for a better fit elsewhere, while Chicago continues evaluating younger options during a rebuilding effort that has turned into some legitimate playoff contention.
Chicago White Sox Make Decision On Former San Francisco Giants Infielder After Munetaka Murakami Injury Setback
After joining the White Sox before this season, Wade was unable to generate interest in a big-league promotion from the team despite an injury to slugger Munetaka Murakami.
“It might register as a modest surprise that the Sox either cut him loose or (if he had a June 1 opt-out in his contract) granted him his release at a time when Munetaka Murakami just hit the shelf for at least four to six weeks due to a Grade 2 hamstring strain,” Steve Adams noted for MLB Trade Rumors. “However, Chicago is taking a look at 2023 first-rounder Jacob Gonzalez in Murakami’s absence.”
The White Sox initially saw enough upside to bring Wade into the organization after his departure from San Francisco. While his major league opportunities remained limited, he performed well at Triple-A Charlotte, providing some reason for optimism that he could still contribute at the highest level.
Former San Francisco Giants Fan Favorite Looks For New Home After Release
Wade became a fan favorite during his tenure with the Giants thanks to a series of dramatic late-inning hits that earned him the nickname “Late Night LaMonte” in 2021. However, his production declined significantly before San Francisco ultimately moved on.
“Wade batted .167 with one homer and 15 RBIs for the Giants this season, his struggles culminating with a 2-for-17 performance on the team’s most recent road trip,” the Associated Press reported last year, shortly after the Giants traded Wade to the Los Angeles Angels in a salary dump. “Wade hit a career-high .260 last season, and he gained a reputation in San Francisco for clutch late-game performances.”
The White Sox have not publicly ruled out a reunion on a new contract, but Wade will now have the opportunity to gauge interest from clubs around baseball. Given the constant demand for left-handed hitters capable of playing first base and corner outfield spots, another organization could decide his strong minor league performance is worth a closer look.
“Teams looking for some lefty-swinging corner help — ideally at first base but possibly at DH and/or in an outfield corner — could take a look and hope that his strong showing in the upper minors is a precursor to a return to form in the majors,” Adams added. ‘It’s also possible he simply returns to the White Sox, depending on what the market has to bear.”
For now, Wade’s latest roster setback has opened the door to free agency as he searches for the next chapter of his major league career.