The Kansas City Royals have traded outfielder Lane Thomas and left-handed pitcher Bailey Falter to the Atlanta Braves just two days before the trade deadline.
The Royals received minor-league pitchers Carter Holton and Lucas Braun in the deal. Thomas, 30, has an OPS+ of 104 this season, and the Braves are counting on him to provide some much-needed depth in the outfield. With left-handed hitters starting in center and right, Thomas's ability to hit left-handed pitching is a valuable asset.
The Braves have been searching for a right-handed hitting outfielder, and Thomas fits the bill. He has spent time at all three outfield positions this season, and his experience at center field makes him a sound roster fit in Atlanta. The Braves were also in need of outfield depth due to concerns about Ronald Acuña Jr.'s health.
Falter, 29, has mostly been a starter for his career but has experience working out of the bullpen. He may fill a long-relief/swing role for the Braves, but his salary is a significant factor in the deal. The Braves are taking on Falter's remaining $3.6 million salary, which reduced the prospect cost.
The Royals, on the other hand, are in last place in the American League Central with negligible postseason hopes. Trading Thomas was a no-brainer, but attaching Falter's salary to the deal may have limited their return. Braun, 24, has a 3.53 ERA with a subpar strikeout rate, and Holton, 23, has a 4.32 ERA in the low minors.
The trade comes as the Braves attempt to maintain their healthy lead in the National League East and put pressure on the Dodgers and Brewers ahead of them for a first-round bye in the postseason. The Braves were in need of offense, and Thomas's addition should help address that need.
The Royals, meanwhile, are focused on rebuilding and developing their young players. Trading Thomas for Braun and some salary relief is a step in that direction, but it's clear they could have gotten more for the 30-year-old outfielder.
The trade was announced late Saturday, and the Braves will likely platoon Thomas with Mike Yastrzemski in the outfield. Manager Walt Weiss will need to adjust his lineup card to accommodate the new addition. The Braves will also be looking to add more rotation help before the trade deadline on Monday.
The trade has been graded by some as a solid move for the Braves, but others see it as a missed opportunity for the Royals. Only time will tell how this deal will play out for both teams.
Source: CBS