The Cleveland Guardians were said to be looking for outfield help these days, well aware of Tuesday’s trade deadline.
It’s important to say that the position isn’t their biggest need: that would be starting pitcher.
However, with Steven Kwan as the only star-level player in the Guardians’ outfield, bringing in some help there was important for president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti.
That’s why he went to work and secured a trade for Washington Nationals’ Lane Thomas.
“Guardians get: OF Lane Thomas, under control through next season. Nationals get: Prospects P Alex Clemmey, SS José Tena, IF Rafael Ramirez,” Guardians insider Zack Meisel tweeted.
Guardians get: OF Lane Thomas, under control through next season
Nationals get: Prospects P Alex Clemmey, SS José Tena, IF Rafael Ramirezhttps://t.co/U8EcFJq8W2
— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) July 29, 2024
Thomas started ice-cold but has turned things around and is now hitting .253/.331/.407 with eight home runs, 40 RBI, and 28 stolen bases.
His .738 OPS is also solid.
Since the start of May, however, Thomas is slashing a cool .282/.363/.469 with a .833 OPS.
He would be Cleveland’s second-best outfielder right now, behind Kwan, and would improve a rotation that includes Angel Martinez, Jhonkensy Noel, Will Brennan, and Tyler Freeman.
The prospects that Cleveland had to give away, however, are very solid.
It was a nice haul for the Nationals and a fair return for their star.
Tena, who played three MLB games for the Guards this year, has 17 home runs and 14 stolen bases in Triple-A with a 116 wRC+.
He can play multiple infield positions and is MLB-ready.
Clemmey is a tall left-hander with big stuff and iffy command, while Ramirez is a young shortstop with plenty of upside.
All were in most top 20 Guardians prospects lists, but the team dealt from a surplus of infielders to get help in an area of need.
NEXT: Guardians Reportedly Interested In Cardinals Outfielder
