The Cleveland Guardians have some big decisions to make about their roster this offseason.
Usually, with this team, that means choosing who to pay and who not to.
With that in mind, Bleacher Report analyst Tim Kelly made a case for the Guardians to let Lane Thomas leave as a free agent.
The veteran outfielder hasn’t been very productive this season, and Kelly doesn’t see that changing any time soon.
“Lane Thomas, Go,” Kelly wrote. “After releasing Carlos Santana earlier this month, Thomas is now the most notable free agent the Guardians will have this offseason. While he did hit an ALDS grand slam off of Tarik Skubal last year, he’s largely been ineffective since being acquired from the Washington Nationals. With a .189 batting average and multiple IL stints to show for parts of two seasons in Cleveland, it’s safe to say Thomas will be looking for a new employer next year.”
The Guardians acquired Thomas last season, close to the trade deadline.
They got him in exchange for Rafael Ramirez Jr., Alex Clemmey and Jose Tena.
He gave them a much-needed boost in the outfield to keep their strong season going, and that huge hit against Skubal and the Detroit Tigers helped them make the ALCS, which they lost to the New York Yankees.
Unfortunately, Thomas hasn’t been that player this season, as he’s struggled with injuries for most of the year.
The Guardians might have him back soon, as he just had a rehab assignment at Double-A after being sidelined due to plantar fasciitis.
The organization will most likely give him some more at-bats with playoff-bound Akron or at Triple-A Columbus before he’s back in the majors.
Hopefully, he’ll give the Guardians a bit of a boost during the final stretch of the campaign, but judging by the way he’s performed this season, that’s far from certain.
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