The Kansas City Royals, despite a successful 2024 season, need to address their weak outfield. One potential solution is trading for Cleveland Guardians outfielder Lane Thomas. Although trades between division rivals are rare, Thomas's one-year contract and performance make him an attractive option for the Royals.
It's impressive how far the Kansas City Royals got in 2024 with a dismal outfield, but they still have to correct that flaw.
If the season started tomorrow, the Royals would roll out an Opening Day trio of MJ Melendez, Kyle Isbel, and Hunter Renfroe. Those three wouldn't exactly strike fear into the hearts of the opposition, and all would likely be batting in the bottom half of the order. Because they're a small-market team without much room to add salary, the Royals' most likely avenue to upgrade their outfield is via trade. There aren't a ton of exciting candidates out there on the market, but one stands out as an interesting fit.
Though trades between division rivals aren't commonplace, they often make a lot of sense for both sides. And one Cleveland Guardians outfielder, who may not be a huge part of the plans for his current team, seems like an excellent candidate for the Royals.for Guardians outfielder Lane Thomas, who arrived in Cleveland at the trade deadline just five months ago, to help shore up their outfielder.
"Even in his down year last season, Thomas would have been an upgrade over , while also further strengthening Kansas City’s identity as a strong baserunning team , which should fit neatly into the Royals' budget as the last piece of their lineup puzzle. And if he rebounds to his 2023 form, he could make them a far more dangerous team without having to overextend themselves.Jackson Roberts is a former Division III All-Region DH who now writes and talks about sports for a living.
ROYALS OUTFIELD TRADE LANE THOMAS GUARDIANS
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