BREAKING: Royals Trade Lane Thomas & Bailey Falter To Braves

[Cory Moen]

Image courtesy of IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Outfielder Lane Thomas and left-handed pitcher Bailey Falter are headed to the Atlanta Braves in a trade.

Thomas was a popular name in trade rumors over the past few weeks, and it is not surprising to see him moved ahead of Monday's trade deadline. 

Falter has spent the year between the majors and Triple-A, with 5 appearances, two starts, and 9 ⅔ innings pitched. His results in the majors have not been great, but the Braves will be betting on his upside, as he is under team control for two more years after this season through the arbitration process. Falter was designated for assignment in late May and has spent part of this season on the injured list with elbow inflammation.

Thomas is a rental bat who has been the source of many trade rumors over the past few weeks. He does most of his damage against left-handed pitching, with an .800 OPS against left-handed pitching, as opposed to a .719 OPS versus right-handers. He will provide additional depth in the outfield for the Braves and specifically lengthen their lineup versus southpaws. As a team, Atlanta has a .705 OPS against left-handed pitching, so he will provide an upgrade, especially in that area.

In return, the Braves are sending LHP Carter Holton and RHP Lucas Braun to Kansas City. 

Holton was the Braves' second-round pick in 2024 and has pitched this year between the Arizona Complex League and Single-A. He has appeared in 10 games, with eight starts, throwing 41 ⅔ innings and recording 41 strikeouts with 16 walks, posting a 4.32 ERA.

Lucas Braun was a sixth round pick by the Braves in 2023 and has pitched this year between Double-A and Triple-A. He has thrown 94 ⅓ innings, with a 3.53 ERA with 82 strikeouts over 19 appearances and 17 starts. Braun was ranked 8th in the Braves system on MLB.com.

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