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Dodgers Trade Idea Lands $8 Million 28 Home Run Slugger

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jon Conahan | Last updated May 20, 2025 4:00 PM ET

At the trade deadline last season, there weren't many players better than Lane Thomas who were moved.

Thomas was traded to the Cleveland Guardians from the Washington Nationals, but he’s struggled during his time in Cleveland.

After hitting .209 for them in the second half of last year, and .156 to start this season with no home runs, it's tough to see a scenario where a team might want to take him. Thomas is also out with an injury and has been for over a month.

However, Jason Fray of Dodgers Nation pitched the idea of Los Angeles trading for him, adding that Los Angeles could be interested in him, given that he'll hit free agency at the end of the year.

“Granted, this is an out-of-left-field possibility. If you squint hard enough, there could be something here. Cleveland is notorious in not spending a ton of money. “Depending on who you ask, the thought of re-signing Thomas to a multi-year deal might not sound all that appetizing from the Guardians’ standpoint. He will be a free agent at season’s end, and if they do plan on letting him walk, it would be prudent to nab something in return for him,” he wrote.

The Guardians might not want to sell at the deadline, but as for Thomas, it wouldn't be surprising to see them do so. They love to save money, and if they don't plan to sign Thomas in free agency, losing him for nothing wouldn't make much sense.

He's only played in 13 games this season, but ignoring his production is tough. He's currently posting a 6 OPS+, and while it's still very early, as he's only had 45 at-bats, that's concerning.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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