SF Giants trade LaMonte Wade to Los Angeles

Late Night LaMonte is heading to the land of late-night TV.

The Giants have traded first baseman LaMonte Wade to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for a player to be named later or cash, the team announced Sunday. San Francisco also sent out money in the deal.

Wade was designated for assignment on Wednesday as the Giants sought a roster shakeup with their offense struggling mightily. They signed veteran first baseman Dominic Smith to take Wade’s roster spot and have won five consecutive games since.

The 31-year-old Wade batted .167 in 50 games with the Giants this season, and his struggles go further back: Since the second half of last season, Wade has hit .188/.297/.308.

He arrived in San Francisco via trade in February 2021 from Minnesota in exchange for righty Shaun Anderson and was named the Willie Mac Award winner after hitting 18 home runs and having several big late-game moments to help the team reach a franchise-record 107 wins.

The deal marks the first between Giants general manager Zach Minasian and his brother Perry, the Angels’ longtime GM.

Beyond Smith, the Giants also have Jerar Encarnacion and Casey Schmitt available to play first base, with top prospect Bryce Eldridge climbing to Triple-A last week as he learns the position. Wilmer Flores has played four games at the position this season, too, but otherwise has only been a designated hitter.