The Kansas City Royals entered the offseason looking for a specific fit for their roster.
They needed outfield help but also wanted a veteran presence to align with returnees Kyle Isbel and Jac Caglianone in 2026.
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The Royals found upside by acquiring Isaac Collins from the Milwaukee Brewers. And this week they doubled down by signing Lane Thomas to a one-year deal.
It’s expected that Collins will primarily play left field, joining Isbel (center) and Caglianone (right) in the outfield for the Royals next season.
“The appeal has been there for a while,” Thomas said Thursday. “I remember back before I got drafted, that (KC) was one of the places I thought I was going. You know, it’s cool that some of things fall into place and you end up there down the road.”
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Thomas, 30, can play across the outfield. He hit four home runs with 11 RBIs in 125 at-bats with the Cleveland Guardians last season. It was an injury-riddled campaign, however, as Thomas dealt with a bone bruise in his right wrist and plantar fasciitis in his right foot.
He underwent right-foot surgery in September and it is expected that he will be ready for spring training. A rebound season could be in store.
“At this point, I haven’t had any hiccups,” Thomas said. “Just trying to knock the PT (physical therapy) out and I started a lot of the baseball activity in the last two or three weeks. I feel good. I should be right on time for spring and stuff.”
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Cleveland Guardians outfielder Lane Thomas breaks his bat during the fourth inning of a game against the Cubs at Wrigley Field in Chicago on July 3, 2025.
The Royals don’t have any lingering concerns about Thomas’ health. They believe he will be able to contribute in multiple ways next season.
“There was actually more hope than concern,” Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said. “We were hopeful things pointed the way they did because the talent is what we were attracted to. We just needed to make sure we felt good about his health, and we certainly do.”
Thomas offers a mix of speed and defense. He has also shown an ability to hit home runs — as evidenced by his 28 with the Washington Nationals in 2023.
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The Royals will give him an opportunity to earn regular at-bats. He could find chances as a right-handed option in the lineup or as a key contributor in a bench role. The Royals like to use everyone on the roster and Thomas is excited to earn his spot.
“I know I can still play every day and play up to what I have in the past,” he said. “So it was attractive (coming to the Royals).
“Obviously, a couple months in, if I’m not pulling my weight, I understand. But I think we’ll be in a good spot and I look forward to the opportunity.”
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Guardians outfielder Lane Thomas rounds the bases after belting a three-run home run against the Toronto Blue Jays at Progressive Field in Cleveland on June 24, 2025.
The Royals had looked for a right-hander capable of hitting opposing lefty pitchers well. In his career, Thomas has a .292 batting average against lefties. He has a .859 OPS (on-base plus slugging) against southpaws.
“I think Lane and any player understands that the at-bats come with production,” Picollo said. “Guys that are swinging the bat well, playing good defense and helping us win somehow, they are going to be in there.”
The Royals will keep looking to improve their roster into January. A few holes remain — KC would also like to find a left-handed relief specialist and more bench depth is also needed. But Thomas appears to answer the Royals’ desire for more speed and defense.
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“We went through several meetings with our pro personnel department, our front office, and we kept coming back to Lane,” Picollo said. “Lane was the right guy for us. We have a lot of belief in his abilities.
“We got a chance to see it firsthand when he was with Cleveland. Little unfortunate last year with some injuries, but we know the type of player that he is. When you think about our identity, with guys that understand how to handle the bat, run the bases and play defense, he checks all those boxes for us. And we thought it was a great way to start our offseason.”