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LaMonte Wade Jr.
LaMonte Wade Jr.
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LaMonte Aaron Wade Jr. (born January 1, 1994), nicknamed "Late Night LaMonte," is an American professional baseball first baseman in the Chicago White Sox organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Minnesota Twins, San Francisco Giants, and Los Angeles Angels. He played college baseball for the Maryland Terrapins. The Twins selected Wade in the ninth round of the 2015 MLB draft, and made his MLB debut with them in 2019.

Key Information

Amateur career

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Wade attended St. Paul's School in Brooklandville, Maryland. He played baseball and basketball.[1] In baseball he played outfield and pitched. He was named to the All-Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association team in 2010, 2011, and 2012, to the 2011 and 2012 Maryland State Association of Baseball Coaches Preseason All-State team, and to the 2011 Baltimore Sun All-Metro Second Team.[1] He was also named to the 2012 Preseason Under Armour All-American Team and the 2012 Baltimore Sun All-Metro First Team, and was ranked the No. 1 prospect in the class of 2012 in Maryland by Dynamic Baseball.[1]

He then attended the University of Maryland, College Park, where he played college baseball for the Maryland Terrapins. He played as a first baseman in his freshman year, but then became a center fielder.[2] In 2015 he batted .335/.453 (2nd in the Big Ten Conference)/.468.[3] For the Terrapins, Wade had a .394 on-base percentage in three seasons, walking more times than he struck out.[4] In 2014, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Brewster Whitecaps of the Cape Cod Baseball League.[5]

Professional career

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Minnesota Twins (2015–20)

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Wade with the Cedar Rapids Kernels in 2016

The Minnesota Twins selected Wade in the ninth round, with the 260th overall selection, of the 2015 MLB draft. He agreed to a contract which contained a signing bonus of $163,800.[6] He made his professional debut with the Elizabethton Twins of the Rookie-level Appalachian League, batted .312/.428 (6th in the league)/.506 with a .934 OPS (7th) and 46 walks (2nd), 5 triples (3rd), 9 home runs (6th), 44 RBIs (4th), and 12 stolen bases (8th), and was an Appalachian League post-season All Star.[7][8] He was promoted to the Cedar Rapids Kernels of the Single–A Midwest League in the final week of the season.[4][9][10]

Wade began the 2016 season with Cedar Rapids.[9] He started in the 2016 Midwest League All-Star Game.[11] Following the All-Star Game, the Twins promoted Wade to the Fort Myers Miracle of the High–A Florida State League.[12][13] Wade finished 2016 batting .293/.402/.438 with eight home runs and 51 runs batted in (RBIs).[14] He was an MILB.com organization All Star.[7]

Wade spent the 2017 season with the Chattanooga Lookouts of the Double–A Southern League, where he batted .292./.397 (10th in the league)/.408 with 74 runs (6th), seven home runs, and 67 RBIs (7th), while leading the league with 11 sacrifice flies, coming in second with five intentional walks, and drawing 76 walks (third in the league).[15] He was a Southern League mid-season All Star.[7] After the season, the Twins assigned Wade to the Surprise Saguaros of the Arizona Fall League.[16]

Wade began the 2018 season in Chattanooga. He was a Southern League mid-season All Star.[7] He was promoted to the Rochester Red Wings of the Triple–A International League in June.[17] The Twins added Wade to their 40-man roster after the 2018 season.[18] He opened the 2019 season back with Rochester.[19]

On June 27, 2019, the Twins promoted Wade to the major leagues.[20] He made his major league debut on June 28 versus the Chicago White Sox.[21] In 2019 for the Twins he batted .196/.348/.375 with 10 runs, 2 home runs, and 5 RBIs in 56 at bats, playing primarily center field.[22] In 2020 for the Twins he batted .231/.318/.308 with three runs, no home runs, and one RBI in 39 at bats.[22]

San Francisco Giants (2021–2025)

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Wade in 2023

On February 4, 2021, the Twins traded Wade to the San Francisco Giants in exchange for pitcher Shaun Anderson.[23]

In the 2021 regular season, Wade batted .253/.326/.482 with 18 home runs and 56 RBI in 336 at-bats, and had six steals in seven attempts.[22] Batting in spots labeled "late and close", he hit .362/.444/.511. When hitting with 2 out and runners in scoring position, he produced at a rate of .407/.484/.889. In the 9th inning, he hit .565/.583/.826.[24] He played 52 games in right field, 42 games in left field, 31 games at first base, and 2 games in center field.[22] Players and fans dubbed Wade "Late Night LaMonte" and "Late Inning LaMonte" due to his late-game heroics during the regular season.[25] He won the 2021 Willie Mac Award as the team's most inspirational player.[26]

In 2022, other than 58 at-bats with the Triple–A Sacramento River Cats in which he batted .250, with the Giants he batted .207/.305/.359 in 217 at-bats, in which he had 29 runs, eight home runs, and 26 RBI.[27] With the Giants he played 33 games in right field, 22 at first base, 19 in left field, 10 at DH, and one in center field.[27]

On January 13, 2023, Wade agreed to a one-year, $1.375 million contract with the Giants, avoiding salary arbitration.[28] On June 2, Wade recorded the 100th splash hit at Oracle Park, off of Dean Kremer of the Baltimore Orioles.[29] He made 135 appearances for San Francisco during the regular season, hitting .256/.373/.417 with 17 home runs and 45 RBI.[30]

Wade and the Giants agreed to a $3.5 million salary for the 2024 season.[31] On May 28, 2024, Wade was ruled out for at least four weeks due to a strained hamstring.[32] He played in 117 games for the Giants on the year, slashing .260/.380/.381 with eight home runs and 34 RBI.[33]

Wade made 50 appearances for San Francisco in 2025, but struggled to a .167/.275/.271 batting line with one home run and 15 RBI. Wade was designated for assignment by the Giants on June 4, 2025.[34]

Los Angeles Angels (2025)

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On June 8, 2025, Wade was traded to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations.[35] In 30 appearances for Los Angeles, he produced .169/.260/.215 with one home run, three RBI, and one stolen base. Wade was released by the Angels on August 2.[36]

According to Baseball Reference, Wade was tied with Michael Toglia for the fewest batting wins above replacement (WAR) in 2025, with -1.7.[37]

Chicago White Sox (2026–present)

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On January 22, 2026, Wade signed a minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox.[38]

Personal life

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Wade is from Owings Mills, Maryland.[39] He has a brother, Jamal, who also played baseball for the Terrapins.[40][39]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
LaMonte Wade Jr. (born January 1, 1994) is an American and currently a . He is known for his left-handed hitting and versatility in the corner positions, as well as his clutch performances in late innings that earned him the nickname "Late Night LaMonte" during his tenure with the San Francisco Giants. Over his MLB career spanning seven seasons, Wade has compiled a .236 with 55 home runs and 185 RBIs in 560 games, primarily as a player and utility contributor. Wade attended the University of Maryland, where he played for the Terrapins, and was selected by the in the ninth round (260th overall) of the 2015 MLB Draft. After progressing through the Twins' system, he made his major league debut on June 28, 2019, appearing in 26 games that season and 16 the following year. On February 4, 2021, the Twins traded Wade to the San Francisco Giants in exchange for pitcher , a move that positioned him as a key left-handed bat for the Giants' lineup. In 2021, Wade enjoyed a breakout season with the Giants, batting .253 with 18 home runs and 56 RBIs in 109 games, helping the team secure 107 wins and a National League West division title before their playoff appearance. He followed with contributions in 2022 (.207 average, 8 HR, 26 RBI in 77 games), 2023 (.256 average, 17 HR in 135 games), and 2024 (.260 average, 8 HR, 34 RBI in 117 games), often excelling in high-leverage situations. Wade's role diminished in 2025 due to performance struggles; after appearing in 50 games with the Giants, he was designated for assignment on June 4 and traded to the Los Angeles Angels on June 8 for cash or a player to be named later, where he appeared in 30 games before being released on August 2.

Early life

Birth and family

LaMonte Wade Jr. was born on January 1, 1994, in , . He is the son of and LaMonte Wade Sr., who provided strong support for his athletic pursuits from an early age, encouraging his involvement in sports through active guidance and participation. The Wade family placed a significant emphasis on athletics, with both parents contributing to his development by offering coaching and fostering a competitive environment at home. Wade has one sibling, his younger brother Jamal Wade, who also pursued and played as an for the University of Maryland Terrapins. The family's athletic focus extended to recreational activities like ping-pong, in which they competed fiercely; Wade has credited these sessions with enhancing his hand-eye coordination, a skill that later benefited his career.

Upbringing in Maryland

LaMonte Wade Jr. was raised in , a suburb of , where he spent his formative years immersed in a community close to the city's vibrant sports scene. During his childhood, Wade was exposed to multiple sports beyond , including , which he played casually in the neighborhood with friends. Many of his peers gravitated toward football and , reflecting common athletic interests in the area, though Wade balanced these influences alongside his growing interest in . The local sports culture significantly shaped Wade's early experiences, particularly through the proximity to . His parents took him to several games, fostering an appreciation for , and he rooted for team stars like Adam Jones and during their tenure. His family supported his athletic pursuits from a young age, including attending events at the iconic ballpark.

Amateur career

High school at St. Paul's

LaMonte Wade Jr. attended St. Paul's School in Brooklandville, , where he was a four-year letterwinner in from 2009 to 2012. During his high school career, Wade primarily played and pitched for the Crusaders, showcasing versatility on both offense and the mound. As a senior in 2012, Wade had a standout season, batting .394 with a .554 , 25 RBIs, and five home runs. His performance earned him All-Metro first-team honors and contributed to his selection as a three-time All-MIAA honoree over his career. Additionally, Wade was named to the preseason All-American team that year and ranked as the top player in , highlighting his elite status among prospects. Wade's high school accomplishments drew early attention from college scouts, positioning him as a prime recruit for Division I programs, including his eventual commitment to the . His rankings—ninth overall and third among outfielders in —further underscored his potential as a professional prospect.

College at University of Maryland

LaMonte Wade Jr. played for the from 2013 to 2015, appearing in 159 games over three seasons while transitioning from the Atlantic Coast Conference to the Big Ten in his final year. As a left-handed hitting and , he developed his plate discipline, drawing 107 walks in his career and posting a .394 overall. His high school foundation at St. Paul's School provided a strong base for his collegiate success in power hitting and speed. In his junior season of 2015, Wade had a breakout year, slashing .335/.453/.468 with 53 hits, four home runs, and 32 RBIs in 42 games, starting 41 of them primarily in center field. He ranked fourth in the in that year, showcasing his ability to control the with 30 walks against 20 strikeouts. Wade's consistent contact and baserunning—stealing seven bases—added value to Maryland's lineup during a program-record 42-win season. Wade contributed significantly to the Terrapins' postseason run, helping the team secure its second consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance and first Big Ten regular-season title. advanced through the Los Angeles Regional as the No. 3 seed, defeating host and top overall seed UCLA 2-1 in the final, with Wade's defensive plays and timely hitting proving crucial; he was named the regional's most outstanding player for his efforts, including a key robbery of a against Ole Miss. The Terrapins then reached the Super Regional, falling to in a thriller, marking 's deepest NCAA run at the time. Following the season, Wade's strong junior campaign led to his selection by the in the ninth round (260th overall) of the 2015 MLB Draft. He signed with the Twins for a $163,800 bonus, forgoing his senior year to begin his professional career.

Professional career

Minnesota Twins (2015–2020)

LaMonte Wade Jr. was selected by the in the ninth round of the 2015 MLB Draft out of the University of Maryland. He began his professional career that summer with the Rookie-level in the , where he posted a strong .312 batting average with nine home runs over 64 games, earning a brief promotion to the Class A . In 2016, Wade continued his rapid ascent, hitting .280 with four home runs in 56 games back at before advancing to Fort Myers, where he batted .318 with four homers in 32 games. By 2017, he had reached Double-A with the in the Southern League, enjoying a breakout season with a .292 average, seven home runs, and 67 RBIs across 117 games, showcasing his plate discipline with a 14.6% walk rate. Wade's development continued in 2018, as he started the year at Double-A Chattanooga again, batting .298 with seven home runs in 46 games before earning a midseason promotion to Triple-A Rochester, though he struggled there with a .229 average in 74 games. The following year, after a thumb injury sidelined him early, Wade split time across levels, including brief stints at Class A Cedar Rapids (.133 average in four games) and Double-A Pensacola (.238 in six games), before settling at Triple-A Rochester, where he hit .246 with five home runs and a robust 16.8% walk rate in 77 games. His tenure highlighted consistent contact skills and on-base ability, with a career .274 average and .370 across 507 games in the Twins system. Wade made his MLB debut on June 28, 2019, as a for the Twins against the , drawing a walk in his only . He appeared in 26 games that season, batting .196 with two home runs in 56 at-bats, primarily as a reserve . In the shortened 2020 season, Wade saw action in 16 games, hitting .231 with nine hits in 39 at-bats, often utilized in left field and as a . Over his limited MLB time with (42 games total, .211 average), he provided depth but struggled for consistent playing time amid a crowded roster. On February 4, 2021, the Twins traded Wade to the Giants in exchange for right-handed pitcher .

San Francisco Giants (2021–2025)

LaMonte Wade Jr. joined the Giants via trade from the on February 4, 2021, in exchange for pitcher . During his tenure with the Giants from 2021 to 2025, he established himself as a versatile , primarily serving as a and , contributing to the team's playoff push in his debut season and providing steady production in subsequent years. Wade experienced a breakout campaign in 2021, slashing .253/.326/.482 with 18 home runs and 56 RBIs over 109 games, helping anchor the Giants' lineup as they achieved a franchise-record 107 wins and clinched the title. His clutch performances, including multiple late-inning heroics that earned him the nickname "Late Night" LaMonte, were instrumental in the team's success, culminating in an NLDS appearance where they fell to the in five games. For his inspirational play and contributions, Wade received the Willie Mac Award, voted by Giants players, coaches, and staff as the team's most motivational performer. He finished 21st in National League MVP voting that year. In the following seasons, Wade maintained a consistent role despite fluctuations in playing time and performance. He batted .207 with 8 home runs in 77 games during the injury-impacted 2022 campaign, then rebounded in 2023 to hit .256/.373/.417 with 17 home runs over 135 games, including a notable milestone on June 2 when he launched the 100th "splash hit" in Oracle Park history—a leadoff home run into McCovey Cove against the Baltimore Orioles. In 2024, he posted a .260/.380/.381 line with 8 home runs in 117 games, solidifying his value as a patient hitter with a strong on-base percentage. Wade's 2025 season was limited to 50 games with the Giants, where he struggled with a .167/.275/.271 slash line and just 1 amid the Giants' roster adjustments. On June 4, the Giants designated him for assignment to make room for Dominic Smith, ending his four-plus-year stint with the organization after he had accumulated 52 s and demonstrated adaptability across multiple positions.

Los Angeles Angels (2025)

Following his designation for assignment by the San Francisco Giants on June 4, 2025, Wade was traded to the Los Angeles Angeles on June 8 in exchange for a player to be named later and cash considerations to offset part of his $5 million salary. The Angels sought to bolster their first base and outfield depth with the versatile left-handed hitter, who joined the team amid their midseason push in the AL West. Wade's tenure with the Angels was brief and underwhelming, as he appeared in 30 games primarily off the bench while dealing with nagging injuries that limited him to 73 plate appearances. He posted a .169/.260/.215 slash line with 1 and 3 RBIs, contributing to a -0.5 during his time with the Angels. The Angels released Wade on August 2, 2025, making him a after just two months with the organization. As of November 18, 2025, Wade remains unsigned, entering free agency at age 31 with career totals through the 2025 season of a .236 , 55 home runs, and 185 RBIs over 560 major league games.

Playing style and achievements

Playing style

LaMonte Wade Jr. is a left-handed hitter known for his patient approach at the plate, emphasizing on-base skills over raw power. Throughout his career, he has maintained a .340 on-base percentage, drawing walks at an approximately 11% rate while posting strikeout rates around 16-23%, which reflect his selective eye and ability to work counts effectively. His batting style prioritizes contact and gap power, with a career slugging percentage of .395 and 55 home runs in 1,923 at-bats, though he has shown moderate pull-side power, especially after an offseason swing adjustment in 2020-21 that increased his launch angle to 19.2 degrees and barrel rate to the 72nd percentile. Defensively, Wade exhibits versatility across multiple positions, having logged 317 games at first base, 132 in right field, 88 in left field, and 23 in center field, allowing him to serve as a valuable and utility option. At first base, his glove work is considered above average, with a career fielding percentage of .991 and occasional positive in seasons like 2023. In the outfield, he provides solid range and reliable positioning, though advanced metrics show mixed results, including -7 over 1,171 innings, highlighting his adequacy rather than elite athleticism. Wade earned the nickname "Late Night LaMonte" for his propensity for delivering clutch hits in late innings, particularly ninth-inning situations that turned games in his team's favor during his 2021 breakout with the San Francisco Giants. His playing style evolved notably after joining the Giants in 2021, where swing tweaks under coach Matt Swope—focusing on a more upright stance, stronger base, and better forward movement—enhanced his plate discipline and power output, leading to an 18-home-run season in 349 plate appearances. However, in later years, Wade faced challenges with below-average speed ( sprint speed of 26.5 feet per second) and recurring injuries, including hamstring strains in 2024, a left oblique strain in 2021, and back and side issues in 2023, which limited his resilience and contributed to power dips, such as only eight home runs in 2024 and a poor .167 with two home runs in 80 games in 2025 before his release by the on August 2, leaving him as a .

Awards and honors

LaMonte Wade Jr. received the Willie Mac Award in 2021, an honor voted on by his Giants teammates recognizing the player who best exemplifies the spirit and leadership reminiscent of former Giants great , during the team's 107-win season. In 2023, he was selected as the Giants' recipient of the Heart & Hustle Award by the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association, which honors active players demonstrating passion for the game and best embodying its values of heart and hustle. During his amateur career at the University of , Wade earned All-Regional honors in 2014 and was named Most Outstanding Player of the 2015 Regional as the Terrapins advanced to the . In his professional career, Wade has not been selected to the or won a . Key milestones include recording his first major league hit on September 8, 2019, with the , an infield single against the Cleveland Indians that also drove in his first RBI. With the Giants, he hit the franchise's 100th splash hit into on June 2, 2023, a leadoff against the Baltimore Orioles. Through the 2025 season, Wade's career Wins Above Replacement () stands at 4.7, reflecting his contributions as a versatile left-handed hitter and fielder across multiple teams.

Personal life

Family

LaMonte Wade Jr. was born to parents and LaMonte Wade Sr., who have served as lifelong coaches and unwavering supporters throughout his career. They instilled a strong in their son from a young age, attending key games such as his s during the Giants' 2021 series against the Astros, where his flew over his mother Emily's head into . The couple was also present at for Wade's receipt of the 2021 Willie Mac Award, highlighting their ongoing involvement in his professional milestones. Wade shares a close bond with his younger brother, Jamal Wade, who followed a similar baseball path at the University of Maryland, where both played for the Terrapins. , drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 17th round of the 2017 MLB Draft, competed alongside LaMonte during their college years, fostering family bonding through shared athletic experiences and mutual encouragement in the sport. In his , Wade is married to his longtime partner, whose name has not been publicly detailed, and she has provided consistent support amid his transitions between teams. The Wade family is notably passionate about , with Emily and LaMonte Sr. actively competing in local tournaments—Emily has won multiple medals through a dedicated and works with a coach to refine her skills. This family tradition has influenced Wade's own off-field relaxation, as he incorporates ping pong into his routine for mental sharpness and leisure, even acquiring a table tennis robot for practice.

Interests and community involvement

LaMonte Wade Jr. maintains a keen interest in table tennis, a hobby rooted in family tradition that serves as a form of stress relief and hand-eye coordination training. Inspired by his parents' participation in local tournaments, Wade incorporates casual play into his routine, often using a ping-pong robot for practice sessions to sharpen his reflexes off the field. This activity has been a consistent outlet throughout his career, helping him unwind amid the demands of professional baseball. Wade engages actively on , particularly through his X (formerly ) account @LaMonteWadeJr, where he shares late-night posts about games, personal reflections, and lighthearted moments, embodying his "Late Night LaMonte" moniker. These interactions allow fans to connect with his off-field personality, blending insights from his life with everyday observations. In terms of involvement, Wade has contributed to youth development initiatives during his tenure with the San Francisco Giants from 2021 to 2025, including virtual meet-and-greets for the Junior Giants program and meetings with recipients of the Giants Fund's Willie Scholars program. His efforts in these areas earned him the 2023 Heart & Hustle Award from the Players Alumni Association, which honors players for their passion for the game and positive impact. Wade supports in his native , participating in camps to mentor and inspire the next generation of players, with a particular emphasis on increasing African American representation in the sport.

References

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