Can Lane Thomas make Braves fans forget about Jurickson Profar?
Battery Power • • sports
Key Points:
- The Atlanta Braves added right-handed outfielder Lane Thomas from the Kansas City Royals to bolster their postseason roster, aiming to use him primarily as a left-handed pitching specialist in left field.
- Thomas peaked in 2023 with a strong offensive season but has since battled injuries, including an MCL injury and plantar fasciitis, though he returned in 2025 with a league-average offensive performance.
- He holds a career 100 wRC+ overall but excels against left-handed pitching with a 133 wRC+, making him a suitable platoon partner alongside Mike Yastrzemski, who performs better against right-handed pitchers.
- Defensively, Thomas’s range has declined post-injury, making right field his best position, but with Ronald Acuña Jr. expected to play right field or DH, Thomas may serve as a backup in center or left field.
- While some Braves fans hoped for a different left field acquisition, Thomas provides a solid platoon option that complements the existing lineup and improves the team’s depth and defensive flexibility.
