The Braves added outfielder Lane Thomas and minor league left-handler Bailey Falter from the Royals in a trade for two minor league pitchers on Saturday, August 1, 2026.
Thomas, 30, is batting .230/.325/.392 in 96 games with the Royals this season.
Thomas inked the deal valued at $5.25 million with the Royals over the winter.
Braves president Alex Anthopoulos commented on the trade, saying, “The plan is not the exact same role he had in Kansas City, where he was playing every day in center.”
“His strength is hitting left-hander. Great in the clubhouse, and just excited to add him and make our team stronger,” he added.
Thomas has played mostly center field in Kansas City and it appears he will be moving over to left field in Atlanta and possibly pairing with Mike Yastrzemski.
The move came in the background of Thomas, who has batted a career average of .288 against left-handed pitchers.
Thomas posted his career-best season in 2023 with the Washington Nationals, when he had posted 28 home runs and 86 RBI.
The Braves are all set to kick off the best-of-three-game series against Miami starting on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, where Thomas is expected to join the team roster.
2026-08-02 16:10:00
