MLB · 10 months ago

Top 5 MLB Trade Fits for Lane Thomas This Offseason

SportsGrid Contributor Just Baseball

Host · Writer

5. New York Yankees – A Smart, Low-Risk Move
The New York Yankees need to replace Juan Soto, who signed a record deal with the Mets. While big names like Teoscar Hernández and Anthony Santander remain on their radar, Thomas offers a more affordable and versatile solution.

Why Thomas Fits: Adds lineup depth alongside Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton
Power Potential: 20+ HR and .250 AVG upside
Defensive Versatility: Can play across the outfield, allowing patience with Jasson Domínguez

Thomas’ speed would also improve a Yankees team that ranked 24th in stolen bases and dead last in BSR in 2024. His addition may not be flashy but would undoubtedly be an upgrade over Alex Verdugo.
1. Cincinnati Reds – A Perfect Power-Speed Addition
Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis and insights for this slideshow article.

The Cincinnati Reds have been vocal about their interest in Lane Thomas as they look to revamp an underperforming outfield. Cincinnati’s current outfield group ranked near the bottom in AVG (28th), OPS (24th), and wRC+ (25th) in 2024.

Why Thomas Fits: Upgrade over TJ Friedl, Will Benson, and Jake Fraley
Offensive Boost: Thomas' 15 HR and 99 wRC+ surpass most Reds outfielders
Ballpark Factor: Great American Ball Park enhances Thomas' power potential

Adding Thomas would complement the Reds’ dynamic speedsters like Elly De La Cruz. His 30+ stolen bases would make Cincinnati’s elite running game even deadlier.

Have all the intel you need? Free actionable info is one click away! Sign up for our daily newsletter.
2. Atlanta Braves – Stability and Speed in the Outfield
While the Atlanta Braves are seeking a left-handed bat, they cannot ignore the immediate need to upgrade their outfield. With Ronald Acuña Jr. rehabbing from ACL surgery, Thomas' reliability and speed could provide critical support.

Why Thomas Fits: Upgrade over Jarred Kelenic (.679 OPS)
Durability: Three consecutive seasons with 500+ plate appearances
Speed Factor: 32 stolen bases make up for Acuña's likely drop in steals

The Braves are known for unlocking player potential, and Thomas could thrive in Atlanta’s lineup while offering excellent depth and defensive flexibility.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
Download the SportsGrid App
Stay Ahead of the Game and Elevate Your Sports Betting Experience with SportsGrid. Download the SportsGrid App from the Apple Store and Google Play Store.
3. Kansas City Royals – Middle-of-the-Order Help
The Kansas City Royals are searching for a middle-of-the-order bat to provide support for stars like Bobby Witt Jr., Vinnie Pasquantino, and Salvador Perez. Thomas fits the Royals’ profile perfectly with his blend of power and speed.

Why Thomas Fits: Upgrade over Hunter Renfroe, MJ Melendez, and Kyle Isbel
Offensive Boost: Thomas’ .709 OPS outperforms Kansas City’s current options
Baserunning Boost: Strengthens a team ranked 11th in SB and 7th in BSR

Since Thomas is on a short-term contract, his trade price would align with Kansas City's rebuilding plans while immediately improving their offensive production.

For all your MLB deep dives check out our friends at Just Baseball.
4. Pittsburgh Pirates – Bolstering a Promising Core
With young ace Paul Skenes leading a rotation full of potential, the Pittsburgh Pirates need to bolster their offense to match their pitching dominance. The Pirates’ outfield ranked 30th in wRC+ and 29th in OPS last season.

Why Thomas Fits: Reliable upgrade for right field alongside Bryan Reynolds and Oneil Cruz
Power-Speed Threat: Provides 20+ HR potential and 30+ stolen bases
Affordable Addition: Ideal for a small-market team like Pittsburgh

Thomas’ bat and defensive reliability would provide the Pirates with a much-needed offensive boost as they aim to capitalize on their improving young core and chase postseason contention.

Swing for the Fences with SportsGrid’s free daily MLB Game Picks and MLB Prop Picks.
5. New York Yankees – A Smart, Low-Risk Move
The New York Yankees need to replace Juan Soto, who signed a record deal with the Mets. While big names like Teoscar Hernández and Anthony Santander remain on their radar, Thomas offers a more affordable and versatile solution.

Why Thomas Fits: Adds lineup depth alongside Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton
Power Potential: 20+ HR and .250 AVG upside
Defensive Versatility: Can play across the outfield, allowing patience with Jasson Domínguez

Thomas’ speed would also improve a Yankees team that ranked 24th in stolen bases and dead last in BSR in 2024. His addition may not be flashy but would undoubtedly be an upgrade over Alex Verdugo.
1. Cincinnati Reds – A Perfect Power-Speed Addition
Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis and insights for this slideshow article.

The Cincinnati Reds have been vocal about their interest in Lane Thomas as they look to revamp an underperforming outfield. Cincinnati’s current outfield group ranked near the bottom in AVG (28th), OPS (24th), and wRC+ (25th) in 2024.

Why Thomas Fits: Upgrade over TJ Friedl, Will Benson, and Jake Fraley
Offensive Boost: Thomas' 15 HR and 99 wRC+ surpass most Reds outfielders
Ballpark Factor: Great American Ball Park enhances Thomas' power potential

Adding Thomas would complement the Reds’ dynamic speedsters like Elly De La Cruz. His 30+ stolen bases would make Cincinnati’s elite running game even deadlier.

Have all the intel you need? Free actionable info is one click away! Sign up for our daily newsletter.

Top 5 MLB Trade Fits for Lane Thomas This Offseason

Sports Betting

Sportsbook Promos

Social Casinos