The Atlanta Braves were relatively quiet compared to other contenders at the MLB trade deadline. Instead of making a splash for an All-Star-caliber player, Atlanta focused on improving the roster around the edges, showing just how much confidence president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos has in the team’s existing core.
While not every contender takes that approach, Anthopoulos has earned the benefit of the doubt thanks to his history of finding valuable players without making blockbuster moves.
One of those additions, outfielder Lane Thomas, is quickly looking like a potentially important piece. The Braves acquired Thomas by sending right-hander Lucas Braun, one of the organization’s top-10 prospects, along with another minor league left-hander to the Royals. Atlanta also received depth pitcher Bailey Falter, who is currently at Triple-A.
The move did not require a huge investment, but there is some risk involved because Thomas is only under contract for the remainder of the season. He signed a one-year prove-it deal with Kansas City during the offseason and is scheduled to hit free agency again this winter.
Thomas had a pretty clear assignment after joining Atlanta: punish left-handed pitching and form a productive platoon with Mike Yastrzemski in left field. That plan was showcased perfectly during Wednesday’s 6-3 victory over the New York Mets, when both Thomas and Yastrzemski went deep.
Thomas got his opportunity against Mets southpaw Zac Thornton and delivered immediately, launching a solo homer in the bottom of the second inning. Later in the game, New York brought in right-hander Dedniel Nunez, prompting Atlanta to turn to Yastrzemski in the seventh. He responded by hitting a solo home run of his own.
The platoon played out almost exactly as Atlanta envisioned, with each outfielder taking advantage of the matchup that favors him. Seeing the duo click this quickly into Thomas’ Braves tenure is an encouraging development for Atlanta’s outfield heading into the postseason.
Thomas has gotten off to an impressive start in his first seven appearances with Atlanta, recording an .853 OPS. That’s especially notable considering the Braves’ outfield looked like a potential weakness just a few months ago while Ronald Acuna Jr. and Michael Harris dealt with injuries.
Harris avoided a stint on the 10-day injured list but was frequently limited to designated hitter duties, while Acuna spent two separate periods on the IL because of a recurring left hamstring issue.
With October approaching, the outfield has gone from a potential concern to one of Atlanta’s more promising position groups. Thomas has played a significant role in that turnaround.
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