Full Breakdown
Astros Add LaMonte Wade Jr., Promote Collin Price in Midseason Roster Shuffle
6/6/2026, 12:30:43 AM
June 4 Roster Moves
On June 4, 2026 the Houston Astros signed outfielder LaMonte Wade Jr. to a major-league contract and promoted catcher Collin Price from Triple-A Sugar Land. The moves displaced backup catcher César Salazar, who was designated for assignment, and also led to the DFA of outfielder Rhylan Thomas. Simultaneously, the club reinstated outfielder Joey Loperfido from the injured list and optioned him, along with outfielder Zach Cole, to Triple-A.
Background: Pursuing Left-Handed Depth
Houston has been searching for a left-handed bat to complement its power core. A 2025 trade for Jesús Sánchez failed to fill the need, and Joey Loperfido’s brief return remains hampered by injury. The Wade signing, a left-handed corner outfielder and occasional first baseman, reflects the Astros’ continued effort to add a platoon weapon against right-handed pitching.
Player Profiles & Statistics
LaMonte Wade Jr., 32, is a seven-year MLB veteran who previously appeared for the Angels, Twins and Giants. In 2026 he played for the White Sox’s Triple-A Charlotte Knights, posting a .250/.420/.861 line with seven home runs in 201 plate appearances; some reports note a .986 OPS versus right-handed pitchers. His career MLB totals stand at .236/.341/.731 (OPS) with 55 homers and 185 RBIs over 1,617 at-bats.
Collin Price, 26, a 2022 sixth-round pick, has been a right-handed catcher/first baseman for the Triple-A Sugar Land Space Cowboys. He hit .235/.360/.836 with 10 home runs and 26 RBIs in 166 at-bats this season. Price’s promotion adds depth behind starter catcher Martín Márquez and provides a defensive backup.
Official Team Announcements
The Astros released a statement confirming Wade’s major-league contract and Price’s promotion, emphasizing that the moves were intended to strengthen depth at the outfield and catcher positions. The club also announced Loperfido’s activation from the injured list and the corresponding option of Loperfido and Cole to Triple-A.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Wade’s most recent MLB service. One account lists only the Los Angeles Angels (30 games in 2025) as his last major-league team, while another indicates he split the 2025 season between the Angels and the San Francisco Giants. No official clarification has been issued, and no comments from Wade, Salazar or the DFA’d players are available.
Verbatim Quote
> “The Astros are signing outfielder LaMonte Wade Jr. to a major-league deal, sources tell @TheAthletic.” — Chandler Rome, MLB reporter (June 4 2026)
Implications for the Astros
Wade’s left-handed bat provides manager Dusty Baker a platoon option against right-handed starters, a role the Astros have used to address left-handed depth. Price’s elevation adds a backup catcher and preserves roster flexibility. The designations of Salazar and Thomas free space on the 40-man roster, aligning with Houston’s midseason strategy to address depth while remaining competitive.
