The San Francisco Giants are making significant changes as they aim to rejuvenate their struggling offense. In a surprising announcement on Wednesday, the team designated first baseman LaMonte Wade Jr. and backup catcher Sam Huff for assignment, indicating a clear intent to shake things up. In their place, the Giants have signed veteran first baseman Dominic Smith to a one-year major league contract. This development follows Smith’s recent decision to opt out of a minor league deal with the New York Yankees.
The Giants are also reinforcing their roster by selecting the contracts of outfielder Daniel Johnson and catcher Andrew Knizner from Triple-A. Meanwhile, infielder Christian Koss has been optioned back to Triple-A. These moves come at a critical juncture for a team that has faced considerable challenges over the past few weeks.
The Giants started the season strong but have hit a rough patch, losing 14 out of their last 23 games. The primary issue has been the offensive struggles, which have intensified over the last two weeks. During this timeframe, Giants hitters have collectively posted a disappointing .209/.297/.306 batting line. The team hasn’t managed to score more than four runs in a game since May 16, during which they have been shut out or limited to just one run in a stunning seven occasions.
LaMonte Wade Jr.’s performance has significantly contributed to this offensive drought. The 31-year-old first baseman has faced a rough start in 2025, remaining hitless in his first 18 plate appearances this season. His current batting line stands at .167/.275/.271, with just a 3-for-22 skid underscoring his struggles. This swift decline has been unexpected, especially given his solid performance for the Giants in previous seasons. From 2021 to 2024, Wade established himself as a crucial player for San Francisco, serving as their primary first baseman. Although he wasn’t a power hitter, he developed a reputation as an on-base machine.
In a notable twist, Wade’s acquisition in February 2021 from the Minnesota Twins is regarded as one of the standout moves during Farhan Zaidi’s tenure as the Giants’ General Manager. The trade, which involved sending right-hander Shaun Anderson to Minnesota, went relatively unnoticed at the time. However, Wade’s initial years with the Giants proved highly productive, as he recorded a batting average of .248/.352/.415 over his first four seasons.
The dramatic shift in Wade’s form is stark, particularly considering he posted a commendable .260/.380/.381 line last season, bolstered by an impressive walk rate of 15.5%. Historically, Wade has been platooned, facing a mere 12% of his plate appearances against left-handed pitchers. His performance against righties was consistently productive until this season’s unfortunate turn.
The Giants’ new acquisition, Dominic Smith, brings a fresh dynamic to the team. Known for his versatility and power, Smith had been looking to revitalize his career after parting ways with the Yankees. The Giants are hopeful that his addition can help ignite their lackluster offense, especially as they look to turn their fortunes around in the ongoing 2025 season.
Moreover, the selection of Daniel Johnson and Andrew Knizner from Triple-A reflects the Giants’ strategy of bolstering their roster with players who can step up and contribute in crucial moments. Johnson, an outfielder, offers potential speed and power, while Knizner brings reliability behind the plate. These additions signify the Giants’ commitment to not only revamping their current lineup but also providing opportunities for emerging talents.
The urgency of these changes cannot be overstated. The team’s offensive struggles have placed them in a precarious position. With a batting average significantly below league standards and a tendency to struggle to score runs, the Giants must quickly adapt if they are to maintain any semblance of competitiveness this season. Fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on how this roster shakeup impacts the team’s performance moving forward.
In conclusion, the Giants are facing a pivotal moment in their season. With LaMonte Wade Jr. and Sam Huff designated for assignment, the team is clearly signaling a desire for improvement. The signing of Dominic Smith could be the catalyst they need, while the selection of Johnson and Knizner from Triple-A represents a strategic shift to infuse new talent into the lineup. As the Giants strive to course-correct, the focus now shifts to whether these changes can lead to a resurgence and restore the offensive potency that had seemed so promising at the season’s outset. Fans will remain hopeful that these decisions will prove beneficial as the season unfolds.
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