LaMonte

Wade Jr.

The White Sox released Wade Jr. after spring training when he didn’t make the big league club. After taking a week to survey his other options, he’s back with them and will report to Triple-A Charlotte. He made a strong case to get a major league roster spot in camp with a .289/.429/.605 slash line over 49 plate appearances and is just one year removed from a two-season stretch with a .777 OPS working as a strong-side platoon starter with the Giants.

All four players were signed to minor-league contracts with invites to spring training, and all four will be given a chance to play elsewhere rather than reassigned to minor-league camp. Wade has the most MLB success for the four, and his ability to hit left-handed pitching makes him likely to find a new landing spot relatively quickly.

Wade continues to fight for a spot on the White Sox’ Opening Day roster and he made a strong case on Thursday. He opened the scoring in the top half of the first inning with a two-run blast off of Michael King. He then got King again in the third inning with a solo shot that tied the game at 6-6. The 32-year-old also drew a pair of walks, reaching base safely in each of his four plate appearances. For the spring, he’s slashing .289/.429/.605 with three homers, nine RBI and a pair of stolen bases in 49 plate appearances.

The 32-year-old victimized Rangers’ right-hander Alexis Diaz in the fourth inning of this one, crushing a full-count slider for a 399-foot (106.7 mph EV) two-run shot that put the White Sox ahead to stay. That would be his only hit in three at-bats on the day. He’s hitting just .182 (2-for-11) to start the spring, so he’ll need more moments like this if he’s going to secure a spot on the club’s Opening Day roster.

After several strong seasons with the Giants, the 32-year-old saw his offensive production fall off of a cliff in 2025 — slashing a meager .167/.271/.254 with two homers, 18 RBI and a 58/27 K/BB ratio over 242 plate appearances between the Giants and Angels. It’s a nice low-risk signing for the White Sox, as he can be an on-base machine if he’s able to regain his prior form.

Wade Jr. slashed just 169/.260/.215 through 73 plate appearances with the Angels after latching on with the club following his release by the Giants. Someone will give him a shot based on previous success, but he’ll assuredly be looking at a “prove it” deal with whatever club adds him.

Wade Jr. entered the game in the first inning after Nolan Schanuel got hit in the wrist. Wade had a 106.5 mph single in the fourth inning before adding a 108.5 mph big fly that traveled 422 feet. He hasn’t gotten much of a chance to play in Los Angeles, but he could be the starting first baseman if X-rays were to come back with bad news for Schanuel.

The Halos will get Schanuel a breather with left-hander Patrick Corbin toeing the slab for the Rangers. LaMonte Wade Jr. will start in his place at first base and bat ninth for the Angels on Thursday evening in Los Angeles.

Mike Trout still isn’t seeing any outfield time, so Soler, who missed two weeks with back inflammation, will have to contribute as a right fielder for now. He’s been quite the liability to this point, having hit .207/.280/.350 with about as many strikeouts (79) as total bases (83) in 265 plate appearances. LaMonte Wade Jr., who has been seeing most of the time in right field of late, will likely be more of a bench guy now.

It’s a rare off day for Schanuel, who is spared from having to face Red Sox ace Garrett Crochet, after going 0-for-5 with a pair of strikeouts during Monday’s series-opening win. He went 3-for-5 with a three-run homer and four RBI during Sunday’s loss to the Astros. It’ll be LaMonte Wade Jr. taking over at first base with Gustavo Campero getting a turn in right field.