CLEVELAND (AP) — The Guardians addressed their sometimes-shy offense before the trade deadline.
As they continue to scour the market to bolster their starting rotation, the AL Central leaders acquired veteran outfielder Lane Thomas from the Washington Nationals on Monday in exchange for three prospects.
“A versatile outfielder, a guy who can play center field, right field and contribute offensively, defensively and on the bases,” Guardians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti said in Detroit after Cleveland wins 8-4.
Cleveland sent minor league left-hander Alex Clemmey to the Nationals along with infielders Jose Tena and Rafael Ramirez Jr. in exchange for Thomas, 28, who is hitting .253 in 77 games this season.
Thomas has a salary of $5.45 million, is eligible for arbitration next winter and can become a free agent after the 2025 World Series. He can immediately help the Guardians, who have rotated several young players in right field. He also gives the Guardians speed and a defensive presence.
Despite leading their division for most of the season, the Guardians have struggled to score since the All-Star break. They’ve been shut out multiple times since July 8 and recently went through a stretch where they scored two points or fewer in eight of 12 games.
It’s been a long time since the Guardians had stability in right field. Will Brennan had been the starter before being slowed by injury, and Cleveland used rookies Angel Martínez and Jhonkensy Noel in right field.
Thomas could also slot in second behind leadoff hitter Steven Kwan and ahead of All-Stars José Ramírez and Josh Naylor.
Thomas is third in the National League with 28 steals and his 24 assists since the start of last season are the most in the major leagues. He has eight homers, 40 RBIs and has reached base in 25 consecutive games, the longest active streak in the major leagues.
Cleveland is one of several contenders looking for a starter before Tuesday’s 6 p.m. ET trade deadline.
“We are not done pursuing our efforts,” Antonetti said. “It is very difficult to predict whether this will lead to one or more other agreements, but we will continue to try to be active and see if there are other opportunities.”
Thomas was drafted by Toronto in 2014. He was traded to St. Louis in 2017 and played 84 games with the Cardinals from 2019-21, then was traded to Washington for left-hander Jon Lester.
In four seasons with the Nationals, Thomas hit .257 with 60 home runs, 205 RBIs and 60 stolen bases.
Clemmey, 19, was a second-round pick by Cleveland last season and is considered one of its top pitching prospects.
The 6-foot-6 Clemmey went 1-4 with a 4.67 ERA in 19 starts for Class A Lynchburg. He struck out 97 batters in 69 1/3 innings and held opponents to a .214 average.
Tena made his major league debut with the Guardians last season. He currently leads Cleveland’s minor league system with 110 hits, and the 23-year-old is second with 17 homers and 63 RBIs. He had 14 steals at Triple-A Columbus.
Tena can play shortstop, second base and third base.
Ramirez, 19, is playing his first full minor league season and is hitting .187 in 54 games.
“We gave up three players that we think have a chance to leave and have a bright future,” Antonetti said. “It’s painful to make deals like this, but we felt we had to do it.”
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AP sports writer Larry Lage in Detroit contributed to this report.
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