Angels Announce Trade With Giants After Mike Trout News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | Last updated Jun 8, 2025 8:57 PM ET

The Los Angeles Angels fell to the Seattle Mariners on Sunday, failing to complete a three-game sweep of their AL West opponents. That said, the Angels have now won back-to-back series after taking two of three games from the Boston Red Sox prior to hosting Seattle.

One of the biggest reasons for LA's recent success has been the return of superstar outfielder Mike Trout. The 11-time All-Star and three-time AL MVP recently returned from a month-long absence due to a left knee bone bruise sustained against Seattle on April 30.

Since returning, Trout has been productive, but solely out of the designated hitter spot.

While Trout has been going through defensive drills in preparation for an eventual return to right field, manager Ron Washington told reporters on Saturday he is likely a couple days away from resuming outfield duties.

"So far, everything has been going well," Washington said (via Jack Janes of The Sporting Tribune). "As I said, I don't think Mike is going to take a week to get ready. I wouldn't be surprised if in the next few days, he says he's ready to go to the outfield."

With Trout nearing a return to defensive duties, but not quite there yet, the Angels announced on Sunday they had acquired outfielder LaMonte Wade Jr. from the San Francisco Giants.

The #Angels have acquired OF LaMonte Wade Jr. and cash considerations from the San Francisco Giants in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations

In a corresponding move, RHP Michael Darrell-Hicks has been designated for assignment.
— Angels PR (@LAAngelsPR) June 8, 2025

Wade has 111 games of MLB experience in right field, including 11 last season, so he gives the Angels another option defensively while the team awaits Trout's return to the outfield. Even once Trout does eventually return to playing defense, it is likely the team will still want to mix in regular DH days for him, which would give Wade a chance to play the outfield.

Also a first baseman, Wade brings the Angels some overall defensive versatility, albeit with below-average fielding metrics (via Baseball Savant). The 31-year-old has hit just .167 in 50 games this season, but owns a career .770 OPS against right-handed pitching.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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