Braves acquire Lane Thomas and Bailey Falter in trade with Royals

The Atlanta Braves completed a trade with the Kansas City Royals, sending two pitching prospects to acquire outfielder Lane Thomas and left-handed pitcher Bailey Falter. Thomas is expected to serve as a platoon outfielder and pinch-hitter, providing a left-handed bat against left-handed pitching and adding speed on the bases. Falter, who has previously started games at the major-league level, possesses a fastball that sits in the low 90s with significant vertical movement and extension. The Braves hope to develop a secondary pitch for him, potentially converting him to a bullpen role.

"Thomas will fit the role of a platoon outfielder and pinch hitter who can hit lefty pitching well and be a plus baserunner as needed," a team analyst said.

"Falter has a premium fastball that could make him an interesting option out of the bullpen if a second pitch can be developed," the analyst added.