The Cleveland Guardians sit atop the American League Central and have received a great start from their biggest MLB trade deadline acquisition. Lane Thomas has three hits in his first eight at-bats and spoke with Bally Sports Cleveland about his first few days.
“I just wanted to come in, fit in, do my job, and kinda keep this thing rolling. So I felt like we did a good job of that today.” Thomas then spoke about why he chose to join the team right away. “I just felt like it was possible and wanted to get in the lineup and get to know the guys as soon as I could.”
Thomas has joined the Guardians and provided the spark they needed. He played center field in Thursday's game for just the third time this season and excelled there as well.
He is coming off a season where he hit 23 home runs and knocked in 86 runs. The Guardians have added another impact bat to their lineup as they look to win the American League for the first time since 2016.
Thomas made a great effort to make it from Arizona, where the Washington Nationals were playing, to Detroit to make Tuesday's game. Manager Stephen Vogt told MLB.com that this dedication proved he was a “Guards Ball” type player.
The team defines that as a hustle-first player who makes a positive impact on the team. Thomas is not the only addition the Guardians made at the trade deadline.
Guardians improve at MLB trade deadline
The team also added starting pitcher Alex Cobb ahead of Tuesday's deadline. The veteran starter was with the San Francisco Giants and is coming off his first All-Star nod in 2023. The Guardians have the youngest roster in all of baseball, so a veteran arm will be a great piece in the playoffs.
Ace Shane Bieber is out for the season while he rehabs from Tommy John surgery. The Guardians have pushed through less-than-ideal starting pitching to sit atop the AL Central. The addition of Cobb gives them the necessary depth for a playoff run.
He has not pitched in 2024 as he recovers from a hip injury but is expected to return in a few weeks. He should be fresh and ready for big playoff starts.
The Guardians made these two moves while keeping their bullpen and prospect pipeline intact. While the moves may not be enough to motor past the Orioles and Yankees in the playoffs this year, they are set up well for the future. They are already getting great results out of No. 1-overall pick Travis Bazzana as well.
Lane Thomas has gotten off to a great start with the Cleveland Guardians. He has made a great impression on his teammates, manager, and fans for his hustle and play on the field.
He will be with the team at least through 2025 when he becomes a free agent. The Guardians are a team to watch out for in the American League not only this season but for years to come. The Lane Thomas trade sets them up for a bright future.
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