The Guardians have made their first move ahead of the MLB trade deadline, acquiring Nationals outfielder Lane Thomas for three prospects, Alex Clemmey, Jose Tena and Rafael Ramirez Jr.
Thomas is hitting just .253 with eight home runs this season but the speedy outfielder has 28 stolen bases, 8 more than Jose Ramirez.
The former Nationals outfielder had a career season last year batting .268 but hit 28 home runs and drove in 86 runs. He is eligible for arbitration for the final time next season and the former 5th round pick can become a free agent in 2026
The Guardians didn't quite get Thomas for free. One of the three prospects is left handed pitcher, Alex Clemmey, the 8th ranked prospect according to MLB.com who was selected in the second round of last year's draft. The team also traded Jose Tena, who made his Major League debut last season, and Rafael Ramirez Jr.
Thomas shouldn't struggle to find the field often in a Cleveland lineup who has struggled to find much stability in both center field and right field.