The Kansas City Royals have sent one of their more prominent trade pieces to Atlanta, moving outfielder Lane Thomas to the Braves in a deal that also includes left-hander Bailey Falter, according to reports.
ESPN insider Jeff Passan was first to report the trade. FanSided MLB insider Robert Murray later posted on X that the Royals would receive Carter Holton and Lucas Braun from the Braves. Braun is Atlanta’s No. 8 prospect and has been working as a starter in Triple-A.
Thomas was pulled before the fourth inning of Saturday’s game against the Colorado Rockies. He was spotted heading into the dugout and getting hugs and handshakes from teammates, a clear sign the move was underway.
The veteran outfielder had been viewed as a likely deadline piece, especially with his one-year contract set to expire and free agency looming this winter. He started the year in more of a platoon role, serving as a right-handed option against lefties, but his role expanded once Kyle Isbel landed on the injured list.
From there, Thomas settled in as the Royals’ center fielder and turned in a strong July. He hit .255 with five home runs and 14 RBIs while posting an .820 OPS, and his 14 extra-base hits tied for the fourth-most in the American League that month.
Kansas City had made Thomas available because of the expiring deal, and teams were clearly interested in his ability to handle left-handed pitching. In 726 plate appearances against lefties in his career, Thomas has hit .288.
Falter’s path in the organization was far bumpier. He was designated for assignment on May 27, cleared waivers, and stayed in the Royals system before pitching only for Triple-A Omaha.
This season, the left-hander logged a 13.97 ERA in 9 and 2/3 innings. He originally came to Kansas City from the Pittsburgh Pirates at last year’s trade deadline.
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