At first glance, it looked like Lamonte Wade Jr.’s time with the Chicago White Sox was over before it really began.
Mar 19, 2026; Peoria, Arizona, USA; Chicago White Sox designated hitter LaMonte Wade Jr against the San Diego Padres during a spring training game at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
After a strong spring training, the veteran was released just days before Opening Day—seemingly squeezed out by a crowded roster and limited opportunities. But in a quiet twist, Wade is back with the organization, now part of the Triple-A Charlotte roster.
It’s not the outcome many expected.
When Chicago signed Wade to a minor league deal in January, he was viewed as a depth option at best. Coming off the worst season of his career in 2025, the odds of him cracking the major league roster always felt slim.
Still, he gave the team something to think about.
Wade turned heads during Cactus League play, putting together one of the strongest springs of his career. Across 15 games, he hit .289 with a .429 on-base percentage and an impressive .605 slugging percentage. His 1.034 OPS stood out, capped off by a two-home run performance in his final spring appearance.
For a moment, it seemed like he might force his way onto the roster.
Instead, the White Sox went in a different direction.
Chicago opted to carry additional outfield depth, choosing players like Derek Hill and Tristan Peters over Wade. With no clear role available—and Wade holding an opt-out clause—the team let him go.
But the market didn’t move.
After failing to land a major league opportunity elsewhere, Wade returned to the White Sox organization and will now serve as a key depth piece in Charlotte.
And that role may prove more important than it sounds.
While Wade has experience in the outfield, his defensive limitations suggest he’s best suited for first base or designated hitter duties at this stage of his career. That creates a challenge for immediate playing time in Chicago, where first base is already locked down.
However, his bat still offers value.
Wade has built his reputation on plate discipline and the ability to get on base, posting multiple seasons with an on-base percentage north of .370. For a young White Sox lineup that has already shown signs of inconsistency and swing-and-miss tendencies, that skill set could become increasingly valuable.
If injuries arise—or if the offense continues to struggle—Wade could quickly become an option.
He’s also the kind of veteran presence that can help stabilize a developing group of hitters. Even if he doesn’t contribute every day, his approach at the plate offers a blueprint for younger players trying to find consistency at the major league level.
For now, though, he waits.
Wade will begin the season in Triple-A, staying ready for a call that may or may not come. But by bringing him back into the fold, the White Sox made one thing clear:
They weren’t ready to close the door completely.
And in a long season, that kind of depth often matters more than anyone expects.
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