5 Teams That Should Make a Play for Lane Thomas Before Its Too Late

It feels like just yesterday that Lane Thomas was a part of a trade that sent him from the nation's capital to the shores of Lake Erie, as the Washington Nationals dealt him to the Cleveland Guardians ahead of the 2024 trade deadline last July. Much has changed since then, and with the MLB offseason now in full swing, it's anybody's guess as to where the outfielder might end up.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Thomas' future, one thing remains clear: the 27-year-old has the potential to be a game-changer for a team looking to make a deep playoff run. With his impressive combination of power, speed, and defense, it's only a matter of time before he becomes a hot commodity on the trade market.

So, what teams might be the best fit for Thomas? Let's take a look at five potential trade partners that could make a serious push for the outfielder's services in the coming weeks.

1. St. Louis Cardinals - As a former member of the Cardinals organization, Thomas is no stranger to the team that drafted him back in 2014. With the Cardinals looking to bolster their outfield following a disappointing 2023 season, a reunion with Thomas could make a lot of sense.

2. New York Mets - The Mets are always looking to spend big in the offseason, and the addition of Thomas could be a savvy move to help round out their outfield. With the team's focus on making a deep playoff run in 2024, Thomas' versatility could be a major asset.

3. Los Angeles Dodgers - Los Angeles is always on the lookout for ways to improve its roster, and Thomas could be an attractive option for the Dodgers. With the team's flush payroll and deep farm system, it's not hard to envision a scenario in which Thomas dons the iconic blue and white in 2024.

4. Houston Astros - As one of the most successful teams of the past decade, the Astros know what it takes to build a championship roster. With a strong mix of veteran presence and young talent, Thomas could be the perfect fit to help round out the team's outfield.

5. San Diego Padres - San Diego has been one of the busiest teams in baseball this offseason, making big moves to try and keep pace with the Dodgers in the NL West. The addition of Thomas could be a smart move to help deepen the team's lineup and add some much-needed thump to their outfield.

Wherever Thomas ends up, you can bet that it'll be a move that sends shockwaves throughout the baseball world. With his unique combination of skills and athleticism, the 27-year-old outfielder has the potential to be a difference-maker for a team looking to make a deep playoff run in 2024.

As the offseason heats up, keep a close eye on Thomas and the teams that could be vying for his services. It's going to be a wild ride.