The Kansas City Royals traded outfielder Lane Thomas and left-hander Bailey Falter to the Atlanta Braves on Saturday for pitching prospects Lucas Braun and Carter Holton.
Braun is ranked as Atlanta’s No. 8 prospect by MLB Pipeline.
Thomas started in center field during Kansas City’s 12-6 loss to Colorado at Coors Field but was removed before the bottom of the fourth inning. He was later seen exchanging hugs with teammates in the dugout.
The Royals signed Thomas to a one-year, $5.25 million contract during the offseason to provide depth and versatility in the outfield. But injuries, inconsistent production and a 46-66 record have positioned Kansas City as a seller ahead of Monday’s trade deadline.
Thomas, who turns 31 later this month, is batting .232 with a .326 on-base percentage, a .393 slugging percentage and 10 home runs in his eighth major league season.
Falter was designated for assignment May 27 after recording a 13.97 ERA in five appearances, including two starts, while also dealing with inflammation in his left elbow. The 29-year-old cleared waivers and was assigned to Triple-A Omaha, where he posted a 3.56 ERA in 17 appearances, including seven starts.
The trade allows the Royals to add pitching depth at two different levels while moving players who were not expected to be part of the club’s long-term plans.
Braun, who turns 25 on Aug. 26, was selected by Atlanta in the sixth round of the 2023 draft out of Cal State Northridge. He reached Double-A during his first full professional season and threw 293 1/3 innings during the 2024 and 2025 seasons, the fourth-highest total in the minor leagues during that span.
Braun recorded a 3.53 ERA in 19 appearances, including 17 starts, this season between Double-A Columbus and Triple-A Gwinnett. He has relied on command and a deep pitch mix to find success in the upper minors and could provide help for Kansas City in the near future.
“That’s the hope,” Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said. “If he’s pitching well and the opportunity is there, we’re not going to close the door on that.”
Holton was selected by Atlanta in the second round of the 2024 draft out of Vanderbilt. The 23-year-old underwent Tommy John surgery later that year and missed the 2025 season.
Holton returned this year and posted a 4.32 ERA over 41 2/3 innings in 10 appearances, including eight starts, between the Florida Complex League and Single-A.
“With Carter today, we believe that’s a talent that fits our system,” Picollo said. “He was also part of a two-player return. So we were able to get something we value in the upper levels and something we value in the lower levels that will fit right in.”
Picollo said the Royals remain willing to discuss players with expiring contracts, including Thomas, outfielder Starling Marte and reliever John Schreiber. However, Kansas City would require a significant return to trade players under contract beyond this season, particularly starting pitchers.
The Royals’ rotation has been thinned by injuries. Cole Ragans underwent elbow ligament repair, Ryan Bergert had Tommy John surgery and Stephen Kolek is dealing with a right flexor strain. All three could miss significant time next season.
“If we end up moving another starter, another bullpen piece, now we have a lot of work to do in the offseason,” Picollo said. “We don’t mind the work, but then there’s the reality of how much can you actually get done?”
Veteran starters Michael Wacha and Seth Lugo remain under team control beyond this season, making the Royals reluctant to move either pitcher. Left-hander Kris Bubic, a 2025 All-Star who is currently on the injured list, is scheduled to become a free agent after the season.
“The guys that have control in our pitching staff are really important to our season next year,” Picollo said. “If somebody wants to wow us and knock our socks off, we’re wide open to it.
“But so far, that hasn’t happened. And I don’t believe it will happen.”