Late-Night LaMonte Heads South

     In a rare case of sibling synergy in Major League Baseball, the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Angels struck a deal involving LaMonte Wade Jr., marking the first-ever trade between Giants general manager Pete Putila and Angels GM Perry Minasian, who just so happens to be the brother of Giants assistant GM Zack Minasian. The Giants sent Wade and cash considerations to the Angels in exchange for either a player to be named later or additional cash, finalizing the move on June 8.

Wade, 31, became a cult hero in San Francisco during the magical 2021 season when he earned the nickname “Late-Night LaMonte” for his clutch, late-inning heroics. That year, and over the next few, he provided stability and production, batting .240 with a solid .345 on-base percentage, while racking up 52 home runs and 176 RBIs in a Giants uniform. His plate discipline remained one of his strengths, often working deep counts and drawing walks in high-leverage moments. But by mid-2025, the magic had run dry.

Through 50 games this season, Wade had just one home run to his name and was hitting a paltry .167. The once-reliable bat in the middle of the order had grown quiet, and with the Giants floundering offensively, newly minted President of Baseball Operations Buster Posey made a move that underscored the urgency for change. On June 4, Wade was designated for assignment, opening the door for a potential trade, and four days later, it happened.

For the Giants, the decision wasn’t just about statistics. It was about tone-setting. Posey and his front office had already begun tweaking the roster in search of answers, acquiring veteran first baseman Dominic Smith shortly before the Wade DFA and calling up younger players like Daniel Johnson and Andrew Knizner. The team needed production, but it also needed energy, flexibility, and a shake-up. Wade’s departure became part of that broader recalibration.

On the Angels' side, the move comes with low risk and moderate upside. Wade still provides defensive flexibility, capable of playing both corner outfield spots and first base. And despite his struggles this season, his history of timely hitting and strong on-base skills make him a worthwhile gamble, especially for an Angels club looking for experienced bats to plug into a revolving-door roster. To make room for Wade, the Angels designated reliever Michael Darrell-Hicks for assignment.

The trade may not register as a blockbuster, but it carries significance on several levels. Not only does it mark the end of Wade’s memorable run in San Francisco, but it also represents a familial milestone, two brothers on opposite sides of a transaction, navigating both business and bloodlines. More than anything, it’s a reminder of how quickly a fan favorite can go from everyday starter to trade chip in a sport that never stops churning.

Wade now gets a fresh start in Anaheim, where a new environment and a chance to reset could be the spark he needs to revive his bat. If he can rediscover even a hint of that 2021 magic, the Angels will have themselves a quietly valuable pickup. For the Giants, the page turns. And for LaMonte Wade Jr., a new chapter begins under the Southern California sun.