The Atlanta Braves needed to fortify their outfield and bolster their pitching staff. Both boxes may have been checked in a trade with the Kansas City Royals.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that the Braves acquired outfielder Lane Thomas and pitcher Bailey Falter from the Royals. In exchange, Mark Feinsand from MLB.com reported that the Royals received pitchers Carter Holton and Lucas Braun.
Thomas has been solid for the Royals this season, posting a respectable .230/.325/.392 batting line in his 326 plate appearances entering Saturday, hitting 10 homers and 16 doubles while stealing seven bases. He is capable of playing all three spots in the outfield and should immediately step in as their fourth outfielder.
Thomas also helps a weak point for the Braves lineup. The Braves’ .705 OPS against lefties ranks 16th in the majors; Thomas has produced a .263/.370/.430 batting line in 135 plate appearances, hitting four homers and seven doubles.