SURPRISE, Ariz. — After struggling to fully recover from a hamstring injury last season, Giants first baseman LaMonte Wade Jr. is hoping a revamped swing approach will unlock his offensive potential.
Wade, 31, entered spring training with a noticeably lower stance, a tweak suggested by Matt Swope, the baseball coach at the University of Maryland, whom Wade has worked with since 2021. The goal? Utilize Wade’s legs more effectively, addressing the issue that arose after the injury.
“When his legs feel good, he’ll get deeper,” Swope explained. “Obviously, he’s had some leg issues over the years. When you see those leg issues or injuries happen, I think there’s a tendency to stand more upright and get more vertical. I think he would prefer to be in his legs a bit more as long as he feels good and healthy and strong.”
Beyond the stance,Wade also adjusted his hand placement,aiming for consistency similar to his standout 2021 season. He believes that addressing this issue, along with the lower stance, will help him target middle-inside pitches, a weakness throughout his career.
Early signs suggest the adjustments are paying dividends. Wade launched a homer during live bullpen sessions and drove another ball deep, showcasing improved contact and power.
“The stance looks good.It means he’s comfortable in his legs and thay’re healthy,” Giants manager Bob Melvin observed.
Wade’s performance prior to his injury in 2022 was remarkable. Before succumbing to the hamstring injury, Wade boasted a .470 on-base percentage and .426 slugging percentage, leading the majors in both categories. While he returned to produce solid numbers, a dip in both categories highlighted the impact of the injury.
Despite a strong 2022 season, wade’s performance fell short of expectations, especially considering his pre-injury surge. Adding consistency and power will be crucial for Wade, as the Giants look to bolster their lineup.Wade’s offensive versatility, especially his ability to get on base, is invaluable, but achieving greater consistency will elevate him to an elite offensive threat.
What specific aspects of Wade’s swing mechanics were altered, and how do thes changes aim to address the issues stemming from his hamstring injury?
Frequently Asked Questions about LaMonte Wade Jr.’s Swing Changes
Q: Why did LaMonte Wade Jr. change his swing mechanics?
A: Wade is aiming to unlock his offensive potential by addressing issues stemming from a hamstring injury last season.The tweak, suggested by his coach, Matt Swope, involves a lower stance and adjusted hand placement to utilize his legs more effectively and target middle-inside pitches, a career weakness.
Q: What early signs indicate the changes are working?
A: Wade has already launched a homer during live bullpen sessions and driven another ball deep,showcasing improved contact and power. Giants manager Bob Melvin has also commented positively on Wade’s stance, suggesting he feels cozy and healthy in his legs.
Q: How did Wade’s 2022 season compare to his pre-injury performance?
A: While Wade still had a solid 2022 season,his performance dipped compared to his remarkable start before the hamstring injury. His on-base percentage and slugging percentage, which led the majors at the time of the injury, declined after his return.
Q: Why is consistency so vital for Wade?
A: Wade’s offensive versatility, especially his ability to get on base, is valuable. However, achieving greater consistency and power will elevate him to an elite offensive threat and help the Giants bolster their lineup.
With these adjustments, LaMonte Wade Jr. is ready to build upon his past successes and become a key offensive force for the Giants.
