DETROIT — When commerce discussions began a couple of month in the past, the Cleveland Guardians canvassed the league to be taught which beginning pitchers is likely to be out there on the deadline.
In latest weeks, nonetheless, the membership’s offense has sputtered, and regardless of boasting the most effective report within the American League, the Guardians wanted to do greater than patch up their lagging rotation.
That goal stays a piece in progress, however Cleveland’s entrance workplace jumped into the buying and selling fray on Monday night by buying Washington Nationals outfielder Lane Thomas in change for 3 prospects, highlighted by pitcher Alex Clemmey, their second-round decide final summer season, league sources instructed The Athletic.
The Guardians have eyed Thomas for some time now, and he matches a longstanding want as a right-handed-hitting outfielder. Outdoors of Steven Kwan, the Guardians have lacked stability within the outfield, biking via Tyler Freeman, Angel Martínez, Jhonkensy Noel, Will Brennan and others. Thomas ought to solidify the center of their order alongside All-Stars José Ramírez and Josh Naylor.
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Thomas submitted his finest season as an expert final yr, when he posted a .268/.315/.468 slash line, with 28 dwelling runs and 20 stolen bases. This yr, he has improved his stroll and strikeout charges — developments the Guardians all the time covet — however his energy numbers have dipped. Nonetheless, he has crushed left-handed pitching, to the tune of a .922 OPS, one thing the Guardians sorely want. The important thing can be whether or not he can return to league common or near it towards right-handed pitching, or if he’s destined to be a glorified platoon bat.
The 28-year-old is below crew management via subsequent season. He’s incomes $5.45 million this yr through arbitration.
The Guardians had been dangling Clemmey to varied groups of their seek for roster upgrades in latest days, league sources stated. The left-hander throws onerous and has logged a 4.67 ERA with 97 strikeouts (and 47 walks) in 69 1/3 innings in Low A. They’re additionally parting with infielder Rafael Ramirez and shortstop José Tena, a casualty in a center infield logjam that figures to finally settle with Andrés Giménez and Travis Bazzana, the No. 1 decide within the draft earlier this month.
(Picture of Lane Thomas: Matthew Stockman / Getty Pictures)
