On Monday, the Washington Nationals traded Lane Thomas to the Cleveland Guardians for minor league prospects, according to multiple reports. With the MLB trade deadline fast approaching on July 30, Washington general manager Mike Rizzo has made a series of transactions to better the team in the long term. This is also the third big move that Rizzo has made before the trade deadline, after sending outfielder Jesse Winker to the New York Mets this past Sunday, and setup reliever Hunter Harvey to the Kansas City Royals back on July 13.
Nationals Trade Veteran Outfielder To Guardians For Prospects
Guardians acquiring Lane Thomas from Nationals, source tells @TheAthletic.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 29, 2024
Nationals Acquire Minor League Prospects In Thomas Trade
With Lane Thomas off to the Guardians, the Nationals acquired three Cleveland minor league prospects. Pitcher Alex Clemmey, infielder Rafael Ramirez Jr, and infielder Jose Tena. The 19-year-old Clemmey was the Guardians’ No. 8 prospect and the 58th pick in the 2023 MLB Draft with a strong 97 strikeouts in Single-A this season, while Ramirez (also 19) was the No. 22 prospect in Cleveland who has spent time in Single-A and is the son of former MLB player Rafael Ramirez. Finally, the 23-year-0ld Tena is hitting .298 with 17 home runs, 14 stolen bases, and an OPS of .846 in Triple-A this year, as he will be added to Washington’s 40-man roster.
Trade is now official: Nationals acquire left-handed pitcher Alex Clemmey, infielder José Tena, and infielder Rafael Ramirez Jr. from the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for outfielder Lane Thomas.
Tena goes on the 40-man roster.
— Mark Zuckerman (@MarkZuckerman) July 29, 2024
Thomas was originally acquired by Washington at the 2021 trade deadline from the St. Louis Cardinals for Jon Lester. For three seasons, Thomas made a solid presence in the Nation’s Capital and was nicknamed the “Lane Train.” In 2022, he slashed an impressive .241/.301/.404 and finished with 17 home runs and 52 RBI. He followed that up with a breakout 2023 season. Notching better stats, including a .268/.315/.468 slash line, 28 home runs, 86 RBI, and 20 stolen bases.
In January, Thomas agreed to a one-year contract worth $5.45 million to avoid salary arbitration. He missed some time from April 24 to May 26 due to an MCL sprain. When healthy, he slashed .253/.331/.407 with eight home runs, 40 RBI, and 28 stolen bases. Thomas leaves the Nationals amidst a 25-game on-base streak and will help boost the Guardians offense.
New #Guardians OF Lane Thomas comes to Cleveland amidst a 25-game on-base streak. Not too shabby pic.twitter.com/HT8mOdVNPv
— Ryan Tyler (@Ryantyler33) July 29, 2024
Main Photo Credits: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
