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The Atlanta Braves took a big swing two days before the MLB trade deadline, bringing Kansas City Royals outfielder Lane Thomas and pitcher Bailey Falter on board according to multiple reports.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan was first to report the two sides agreed to the deal on Aug. 1. The return to Kansas City is not yet known.
In a trade market with plenty of buyers, few sellers, and not many right-handed hitters available, Thomas stands out.
MORE: Dodgers scratch 2 prospects at last minute before MLB trade deadline
The 30-year-old was slashing .230/.325/.392 in 96 games for the Royals this season. But he’s only three years removed from a breakout 28-homer campaign with the Washington Nationals.
In eight MLB seasons, Thomas has 86 home runs, 291 RBIs and a .240/.311/.415 slash line with the St. Louis Cardinals (2019-21), Nationals (2021-24), Cleveland Guardians (2024-25) and Royals.
MORE: Orioles make trade, send 7-year veteran to Twins
Falter, 29, is 25-32 with a 4.77 ERA across six seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies (2021-23), Pittsburgh Pirates (2023-25) and Royals (2025-26). The 2026 season has been his most arduous.
The left-hander missed time earlier this season with left elbow inflammation. He stumbled out of the gate after returning from a minor league rehab assignment. Falter was 0-2 with a 13.97 ERA in five games (two starts) when the Royals designated him for assignment on May 27.
In 17 games (seven starts) with Triple-A Omaha, Falter was 2-1 with a 3.35 ERA.
MORE: Embarrassing details emerge about Gold Glove outfielder’s scooter accident
Falter technically could have been traded after the Aug. 3 deadline, which only prohibits teams from trading players on 40-man rosters. Most likely, he’ll head to the Braves’ Triple-A affiliate but could be part of their bullpen or rotation down the stretch.
Atlanta (66-45) is 8.5 games ahead of the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League East. Thomas gives them an extra right-handed bat in a division where left-handers Christopher Sanchez and Jesús Luzardo are trying to help the Phillies win their third straight title.
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ESPN’s Jeff Passan was first to report the two sides agreed to the deal on Aug. 1. The return to Kansas City is not yet known.
In a trade market with plenty of buyers, few sellers, and not many right-handed hitters available, Thomas stands out.
MORE: Dodgers scratch 2 prospects at last minute before MLB trade deadline
The 30-year-old was slashing .230/.325/.392 in 96 games for the Royals this season. But he’s only three years removed from a breakout 28-homer campaign with the Washington Nationals.
In eight MLB seasons, Thomas has 86 home runs, 291 RBIs and a .240/.311/.415 slash line with the St. Louis Cardinals (2019-21), Nationals (2021-24), Cleveland Guardians (2024-25) and Royals.
MORE: Orioles make trade, send 7-year veteran to Twins
Falter, 29, is 25-32 with a 4.77 ERA across six seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies (2021-23), Pittsburgh Pirates (2023-25) and Royals (2025-26). The 2026 season has been his most arduous.
The left-hander missed time earlier this season with left elbow inflammation. He stumbled out of the gate after returning from a minor league rehab assignment. Falter was 0-2 with a 13.97 ERA in five games (two starts) when the Royals designated him for assignment on May 27.
In 17 games (seven starts) with Triple-A Omaha, Falter was 2-1 with a 3.35 ERA.
MORE: Embarrassing details emerge about Gold Glove outfielder’s scooter accident
Falter technically could have been traded after the Aug. 3 deadline, which only prohibits teams from trading players on 40-man rosters. Most likely, he’ll head to the Braves’ Triple-A affiliate but could be part of their bullpen or rotation down the stretch.
Atlanta (66-45) is 8.5 games ahead of the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League East. Thomas gives them an extra right-handed bat in a division where left-handers Christopher Sanchez and Jesús Luzardo are trying to help the Phillies win their third straight title.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —
.
Continue reading...
