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Astros Sign LaMonte Wade Jr., Promote Collin Price

6/5/2026

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Summary

Astros Sign Wade

The Houston Astros signed outfielder LaMonte Wade Jr. and promoted catcher Collin Price on Thursday.
Wade, released by the Chicago White Sox on Monday, has a .236 average, 55 homers and 185 RBIs.
Price, a 2022 sixth-round pick, posted a .235 average with 10 homers and 26 RBIs for Triple-A Sugar Land.
The Astros also reinstated Joey Loperfido, optioned Zach Cole to Triple-A and designated Rhylan Thomas.

Summary

Astros Acquire Wade

Astros front office cited outfield depth concerns as a reason for acquiring Wade.
Wade signed a $1 million base salary, prompting a 40-man roster move.
Wade posted a .289/.429/.605 line with three home runs in Chicago spring training and a .250/.420/.441 line with seven homers and eight doubles in Triple-A Charlotte.
Analysts said the signing could fill both corner outfield spots and add first-base flexibility behind Christian Walker.

History

Historical Context

The reserve clause, added to player contracts in 1879, kept baseball salaries low until arbitrator Peter Seitz ruled on December 23 1975 that pitchers Andy Messersmith and Dave McNally could become free agents after a year without a contract. That decision birthed modern free agency, a system the Houston Astros now use to sign LaMonte Wade Jr. for $1 million.

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Astros Sign Wade

The Houston Astros signed outfielder LaMonte Wade Jr. and promoted catcher Collin Price on Thursday.
Wade, released by the Chicago White Sox on Monday, has a .236 average, 55 homers and 185 RBIs.
Price, a 2022 sixth-round pick, posted a .235 average with 10 homers and 26 RBIs for Triple-A Sugar Land.
The Astros also reinstated Joey Loperfido, optioned Zach Cole to Triple-A and designated Rhylan Thomas.

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